Updated: April 18, 2024
Freedom of speech is a bedrock principle of the University of Michigan community and essential to our core educational mission as a university — it is reflected in our history, policies and practices.
The university has long welcomed dissent, advocacy, and the expression of the broadest array of ideas, even those that could be unpopular, upsetting or critical of the university.
At the same time, the university’s deep commitment to free expression does not extend to speech or conduct that violates the law or university policy. This includes targeted speech that involves bullying, defamation, destruction of property, harassment or threats.
Our long-standing policies, Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression – Standard Practice Guide 601.01 and the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, make clear that unduly interfering with speakers and events is not protected speech under the law and is a violation of university policy. Because the university is a public institution, we are prohibited from interfering with lawful speech and are also required to intervene when anyone attempts to substantially disrupt or interfere with the lawful speech of others.
News & Updates
Committee to advise on diversity of thought, free expression (March 4, 2024)
University adopts statement on diversity of thought, freedom of speech (Jan. 16, 2024)
U-M Principles on Diversity of Thought and Freedom of Expression (Jan. 16, 2024)
U-M statements on campus safety and free expression (Nov. 22, 2023)
U-M seeks feedback on principles in support of free speech (Oct. 19, 2023)
Speech First agrees to settle lawsuit over ‘free speech’ at U-M (Oct. 28, 2019)
Message from Provost Philbert: Our Community of Learning (Sept. 7, 2018)
U-M calls free-speech lawsuit allegations ‘a false caricature’ (June 15, 2018)
U-M clarifies definitions of harassment, bullying (June 11, 2018)
U-M seeks to address ‘mistaken premises’ in speech-related lawsuit (May 17, 2018)
U-M court filing in speech-related lawsuit
U-M’s DE&I implementation leads discuss inclusion and free speech (May, 17, 2018)
Statement re admitted students and free speech (Feb. 26, 2018)
Schlissel, faculty, students, media to lead free speech teach-outs (Feb. 19, 2018)
U-M to host series of events on free speech and inclusion (Jan. 17, 2018)
Read the full letter from President Mark S. Schlissel (Nov. 2017)
Statements from members of the U-M Board of Regents (Nov. 2017)
FAQ regarding Richard Spencer’s request to rent space at U-M
Statement regarding our shared values
University Record: U-M will consider renting space to white supremacist speaker (Nov. 21, 2017)
Letter to campus community from President Mark S. Schlissel (Sept. 7, 2016)