Updated: Aug. 28, 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 policies, Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression – Standard Practice Guide 601.01, Use of U-M Facilities – Standard Practice Guide 601.41, the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Regents Ordinance support an inclusive campus culture and 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.
Statements, News & Updates
Message to campus on upholding U-M values and policies (Aug. 31, 2024)
Arrests at Festifall (Aug. 30, 2024)
U-M highlights updated policies as new school year begins (Aug. 26, 2024)
Fall welcome from the vice president for student life (Aug. 23, 2024)
Freedom of expression and interference with university events (Aug. 6, 2024)
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)
Faculty, students and staff,
At the University of Michigan, we strive to create a campus environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and empowered to learn. An essential pillar of that vision is our commitment to free speech and expression. We believe civil and constructive dialogue sharpens minds and ideas, and that speech and expression ought to be protected to the greatest extent possible.
Our commitment to freedom of expression does not extend, however, to speech or conduct that violates the law or university policies. Interference with speakers and events is not protected under those policies and will not be tolerated.
On July 29, a small group of individuals falsified credentials in order to take over the stage and disrupt new student orientation at the Power Center. This conduct was unacceptable and not reflective of our values and policies. If identified, the people who disrupted the event will be held accountable. Students will be referred for proceedings under the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
The Board of Regents recently strengthened the process by which infringements of university policy are handled in updating the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The regents clarified that the university may submit a complaint alleging a violation when no individual student, faculty or staff member has otherwise done so. Additionally, timeframes were added to the process to resolve matters swiftly. These changes will allow the university to more effectively respond to disruptions like the one that occurred on July 29. We are also in the process of implementing mandatory training on recognizing and combating antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of bias.
One of U-M’s greatest strengths as a large, public institution is the diversity of viewpoints, experiences and backgrounds that contribute to our community. As a reminder, the university has numerous resources available to students to support and empower them throughout their time on campus. Those resources include the following.
- Dean of Students Office (DOS) staff provide direct support and assistance to current students who are encountering speech or conduct that they feel is interrupting their Michigan experience. DOS can also make referrals to other services.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) mental health professionals offer confidential, culturally informed services and provide support for navigating national/world events impacting psychological well-being.
- Center for Campus Involvement (CCI) recognizes a diverse body of student organizations where students may find community, support and dialogue with peers.
- Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) is available to meet, counsel or coach any student in need.
As we approach the beginning of the academic year, we want to thank everyone – students, faculty and staff – who contributes to the thriving community of dialogue, scholarship and innovation that defines the University of Michigan. We encourage each one of you to continue engaging civilly and constructively with each other, even on the most divisive topics.
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)
Policies
- Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression Policy
- Principles on Diversity of Thought and Freedom of Expression
- U-M Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Resources and Guidelines for Campus Activism and Demonstrations
- Guidelines for Posting Flyers, Posters, and Other Related Items on University Property
- Use of U-M Facilities
