Freedom of Speech and Expression

  • Policy Type: Board
  • Policy Title: Freedom of Speech and Expression
  • Policy Number: NA
  • Office Responsible:  Administrative Services
  • Related Policies: Use of College Facilities and Services; Policy Guidelines and Procedures for Freedom of Speech and Expression
  • Related Procedures: NA
  • Related Laws: First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; Constitution of Michigan of 1963, Art. I section 5
  • HLC Criterion: NA

Policy Statement

Oakland Community College is committed to the principles of free speech and free expression embodied in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. These freedoms are central to the College’s academic mission and essential to a robust marketplace for the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. As such, the College is committed to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate in all matters. This includes the freedom to speak, listen, write, watch, express oneself artistically, challenge, learn, and otherwise participate in all forms of communication.

The College encourages an environment where diverse opinions can be expressed and heard. Differing and competing views may cause discomfort or even offend members of the College community. The belief that an opinion is false, immoral, ill-conceived or even detestable by most members of the College community cannot be grounds for suppression. As such, the College does not impose restraints on speech for these reasons, including the speech of outside speakers.

The College fosters the ability of its community members to engage in open and vigorous deliberation and debate in an effective, civil, and responsible manner. The College prohibits speech and expression that violates the law, falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat, violates the College’s harassment policies or unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests.

The College may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the institution. These exceptions and regulations are to be narrowly applied and shall not be used in a manner that is inconsistent with the College’s commitment to freedom of speech
and expression.

Although members of the College community are free to criticize and contest the views of others, they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express their views. Consequently, the College will not only promote the vigorous exchange of ideas and viewpoints, but also protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it.

This policy applies equally to all individuals, groups, and viewpoints and encourages an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect.

The College shall implement guidelines and procedures for freedom of speech and expression consistent with the above and the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Change Log

  • 01-11-2022  Adopted (Resources- Portions adapted from Georgetown University Speech and Expression General Policy)
  • 06-20-2023  Revised (Resources – University of Arizona Policy & Regulations Governing the Use of Campus, National Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA))

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