Free Speech | Free Speech

A Message from the Co-Chairs of the Year of Discourse and Dialogue

Free Speech in the Student Code of Conduct

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to cultivating an environment of mutual respect, concern for others, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. These core values are the bedrock of our community and are reflected in our Pitt Promise. As a public university, we also uphold the principles of protected speech and expression and acknowledge that legally protected speech and expression can at times offend and marginalize some members of our community and contradict unwavering university values. As an academic community, we encourage intellectual critique of and peaceful dissent from opposing viewpoints, counterspeech, and disengagement from experiences that do not support personal well-being.

The right to freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution, and is upheld by the University of Pittsburgh Student Code of Conduct:

"With the approval of the Board of Trustees, the University affirms the following Student rights and privileges: To engage in discussion, to make inquiries, to exchange thought and opinion, to publish and exchange findings and recommendations, to speak, write, or print freely on any subject, and to sponsor speakers of their choice, in accordance with the guarantees of our Federal and State Constitutions, subject only to the right of the University to make reasonable rules and regulations related thereto."

Resources

Demonstration and Protest Guidelines: Demonstration and Protest Guidelines
Posting and Chalking Guidelines: Posting and Chalking Guidelines
Student Code of Conduct: Learn more about the Student Code of Conduct and download a copy of the latest version.
Student Event Scheduling Guidelines: Student Event Scheduling Guidelines
Information about Expression and Dissent: Expression and Dissent
Free Speech Expectations Presentation: Unbranded Free Speech Expectations PowerPoint PDF
Suggested Opening for Invited Speakers: We recommend reading a variation of this text at the beginning of an invited speaker event to set clear expectations around speech and conduct.
Year of Discourse and Dialogue: The 2023-2024 academic year is the Year of Discourse and Dialogue. Learn more on the Year of Discourse and Dialogue website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can host events on campus?

All student organizations recognized by the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) are permitted to host events on campus.

Who funds campus events?

Hosting organizations are responsible for funding campus events.

What are the security requirements for campus events?

Hosting organizations that anticipate a need for security are required to contact the Division of Student Affairs to discuss this issue during the event planning process. The Division of student Affairs and the University of Pittsburgh Police then determine the security requirements for the event and the associated costs.

Who pays for the security at campus events?

Hosting organizations are responsible for the security costs assessed in accordance with the Student Event Scheduling Guidelines.

If an event is only open to the University community and does not include individuals unaffiliated with the University, and if the hosting organization and/or speaker have no specific security requests, the hosting organization is assessed no security fees.

Can the University control what speakers student organizations invite to campus events?

No. As a public university, we uphold the principles of protected speech and expression. Under the First Amendment, universities that receive public funding and permit student organizations to invite speakers to campus cannot legally discriminate against certain campus event speakers on the basis of the speaker’s viewpoint. For this reason, the University cannot reject or “block” speakers that have been invited to speak as part of campus events hosted by recognized student organizations solely on the basis of the particular views that may be expressed by the speaker, even if those views may be offensive or run contrary to the values held by the University.

Can I host a counter-event?

Yes. The University encourages peaceful dissent and critique, including counter-events. If you are interested in hosting a counter-demonstration, please read our Demonstration and Protest Guidelines.

How can I reserve space for a counter-event?

To reserve space on campus for an event, please use the Event Management System (EMS). For more information and instructions on signing up to use the EMS, visit the Reservations Office website.