Freedom of Expression

Northern Arizona University honors its commitment to the freedoms of speech and assembly guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution. NAU is a public institution, and public universities are considered to be the quintessential “marketplace of ideas” – where both the campus community and the general public engage in free speech activities. As a public institution, NAU recognizes that freedom of expression is integral to the purpose and process of the university, whose primary goal is education. Many speakers use our campus, and some may have messages which seem inconsistent with the mission and values of the institution. In the “marketplace of ideas” not all ideas will resonate with the listener and some ideas may even seem distasteful or offensive. NAU encourages both the listener and the speaker to exercise this important freedom with respect, civility and responsibility.

Freedom of Expression at NAU

University Policies

NAU has compiled its existing policies related to free expression, campus use, and political activity into a single landing page, providing transparency into these interrelated policies for constituents in our university community and beyond: University Policy Library – Freedom of Expression.

FAQs regarding the First Amendment: Freedom of Expression on Campus

Where can 1st Amendment Rights be exercised on campus? Accordion Closed
  • The university has the right to place restrictions on the time, place, and manner
    • University staff may work with speakers to ensure the location an event will be held is appropriate taking into account the size and purpose and to ensure the safety of event participants
  • We recommend reserving space on campus through Unions and Activities
    • Activities/behavior cannot disrupt the learning environment (i.e., disrupt classrooms)
    • The university generally cannot discriminate based on content or viewpoint

What activities/behavior is considered disruptive? Accordion Closed
  • Student Code of Conduct definition: Interfering with or disrupting university or university-sponsored activities, including but not limited to classroom related activities, studying, teaching, research, intellectual or creative endeavor, administration, service or the provision of communication, computing or emergency services
  • The use of violence is strictly prohibited
  • Behavior that interrupts or disrupts meetings, classes, or other university activities
  • Activities that obstruct the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic on campus
  • Activities that block the entrances or exits to any campus building, facility or event heckling to the extent that the speaker/audience can’t hear
  • Discriminatory harassment (severe, pervasive, persistent, directed at a specific individual and based on certain protected characteristics like race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, etc.)
  • Threats directed at a specific individual
  • Incitement of imminent lawless action
  • So called “fighting words”

If a speaker is on campus, does that mean NAU supports the content or viewpoint of the speaker? Accordion Closed
  • As a public institution, NAU must remain neutral to both content and viewpoint
  • The 1st Amendment generally restricts NAU from placing selective limitations on speech/expression even if it is insensitive, boorish, or expresses viewpoints on disfavored subjects
  • The 1st Amendment generally prohibits NAU from regulating or punishing speech or expression of ideas/messages even if they might be viewed as offensive or controversial

Is there any speech or expressions which the university can address? Accordion Closed
  • Speech which is likely to incite imminent lawless action
  • Speech which constitutes discriminatory harassment (severe, pervasive, persistent, directed at a specific individual and based on certain protected characteristics)
  • Speech which is disruptive or not appropriate to the forum (i.e., off topic classroom disruption)
  • Speech that constitutes “true threats” or “fighting words”

How can I engage with respect, civility, and responsibility? Accordion Closed
  • Engage the speaker or listeners civilly
  • Consider doing your research, so that you can practice civil discourse in the “marketplace of ideas”
  • Engage with an open mind knowing that just because someone else escalates a situation, does not mean that you have to respond with the same escalated action or language
  • If you think someone (or a group) is being disruptive and/or blocking access to (in or out) of a building, room, or pedway – Contact the SpEAK (“Speech Expression Action Knowledge”) team representative on site (look for members with a SpEAK button on their clothing) or call the Dean of Students at 928-523-5181
  • Submit a public report with the Dean of Students if you see individual harassment or disruptive behaviors as outlined above. Following the submission of your report, a trained staff person will address the situation and, if needed, confer with NAU PD and/or necessary administrative personnel