Similar to students, employees (faculty and staff) of the University of Pittsburgh, on all campuses, are expected to adhere to all University rules and policies, as well as federal, state, and local laws. As a private individual, you generally have the First Amendment right to free speech. Speech by an employee on their own time and as a private individual, and which relates to a matter of general concern to the public, like current events, is generally protected.
But speech that relates in any way to an employee’s official job duties, or to private matters that has the potential to interfere with or disrupt the work of the University, would generally not be entitled to First Amendment protection. So as long as you do so as a private individual, during your personal time and using your own personal funds and resources, you may typically engage in activities including but not limited to: attending protests or demonstrations or expressing opinions on social media regarding matters of general concern; supporting candidates for political office; and engaging in lawful concerted activities regarding workplace issues.
Here at Pitt: We don’t want to interfere with your speech as a private citizen, including what you say on social media. But if, for example, your speech is unprotected or rises to harassment or discrimination, as defined by University policy (CS 07), then you may be subject to disciplinary action.
A few other things to consider:
- In engaging in any speech that not related to your official duties: You should not position yourself as representing the University, but rather make clear you are engaging as a private individual.
- You may not use working hours or University resources on behalf of a campaign or cause. For example, you should not attend a demonstration or campaign rally during your shift.
- The University prohibits harassment and discrimination.
- Employees must avoid any activity that violates University rules and policies or applicable federal, state, and local laws.
A few additional points faculty should remember:
- Faculty must carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the policies articulated in the Faculty Handbook and, as applicable, in alignment with their union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Faculty members are entitled to speak and write as private citizens, free from institutional censorship or discipline, but as scholars and educators they should at all times be accurate, exercise appropriate restraint, and show respect for the opinions of others. Faculty may list their institutional affiliation for identification purposes but should not present themselves as spokespersons for the University of Pittsburgh unless expressly authorized to do so in writing by the University.
- Additional information about academic freedom is available here.
Above all, we encourage our employees to show respect and sensitivity to each other our students, and to the general public. People drawn to work at universities are curious, compassionate and thoughtful — all of the qualities that allow for engaging and effective discourse and dialogue.