
Freedom of speech is a bedrock principle of our community and essential to our core educational mission as a university– it is reflected in our history, policies and practices.
The university’s Standard Practice Guide reaffirms our commitment to free speech. It states, in part, that “expression of diverse points of view is of the highest importance, not only for those who espouse a cause or position and then defend it, but also for those who hear and pass judgment on that defense. The belief that an opinion is pernicious, false, or in any other way detestable cannot be grounds for its suppression.”
News & Updates
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)
Quick links
- Speech First Inc. v Mark Schlissel
- Freedom Speech Statement (October 2017)
- Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression policy
- Faculty Senate Statement on Academic Freedom
- Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- General Guidelines for Facility & Space Use
- Central Campus Diag/North Campus Gerstacker Grove Policies & Procedures
- High-profile speakers on campus