Right of Expression of Students

Jul 03, 2018

Scope:  Who is Covered by this Policy?

Undergraduate and Graduate Students 

Policy

Right of Expression

In a democratic society, the true test of our beliefs and values is how we express and respond to disparate views. Miami University encourages free expression in all its forms, including the expression of dissent.

The University believes that the right of expression is as necessary as the right of inquiry and that both must be preserved as essential to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and truth. Consequently, students, individually and collectively, are encouraged to express their views through the normal faculty, administrative, and student channels of communication. Students also may express their views by demonstrating peacefully for causes and concepts they support or oppose, and the University will make every reasonable effort to protect that right.

The University has an equal and simultaneous obligation to protect the rights and freedoms of students who do not choose to participate in a demonstration. Similarly, the University is obligated to protect its property and to prohibit interference with scheduled activities of students, University personnel, and guests on campus. These obligations, however, do not authorize the University to infringe upon the rights of students and student organizations to hold and express disparate beliefs. Miami University supports the right of students to engage in peaceful demonstrations, protests, or other expressions of student attitudes without regard to the cause or the viewpoint being promoted by the student participants.

We affirm the right and even the obligation of members of our community to speak out about issues with which they disagree, but encourage students to do so in a manner that is respectful and does not violate the rights of others. 

Related Form(s)

Not Applicable.

Additional Resources and Procedures

Not Applicable.

FAQ

Not Applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2023

Responsible Officer

Not Applicable.

Legal Authority

Section 3345.21 of the Ohio Revised Code

Compliance Policy

No

Revision History

Amended July 2018; Amended July 2019

Reference ID

  • Student Handbook 5.6
  • Graduate Handbook 2.15

Reviewing Bodies

  • Administrative
  • Student Life Council