Free Speech & Expression

Because the First Amendment is intended to allow for the expression of varied perspectives, the presentation of ideas and beliefs that conflict with your own is likely to occur. This can be, at times, uncomfortable as well as emotionally and intellectually challenging. It is, however, an equal right afforded to all persons and perspectives, which the University is legally bound to protect. This does not mean that there aren’t parameters for expressive activities.

The following are forms of speech which are not protected:

• Defamation: Intentionally making false statements about a specific person that has the effect of damaging their reputation with material repercussions.

• Incitement of Violence: Statements that are intended, or likely to provoke, a physically violent response and are directed toward a specific individual.

• Harassment: Speech that targets a specific individual based upon their membership in a protected identity category such as gender, race, or religion, and interferes with their access to educational opportunities.

• Time, Place and Manner: Public entities like UNH are permitted to impose restrictions of expressive activities to appropriate times, locations, and methods of delivery, provided these restrictions are uniformly applied.

^{OTHER EXAMPLES INCLUDE ...}

^{Demonstrations that interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, block administrative building entrances and exits, violate fire codes or the law.} 

^{Activities that are determined to pose a risk to personal safety, university property, or security will be denied or rescheduled until such time that adequate and appropriate security can be made available.}

^{Discussion and reasoned discourse are necessary elements to the educational process so long as it is germane to the course session, but students have no rights to impinge on the freedom of instructors to teach or interfere with other students' right to learn.}  

_{College campuses have a long history of respecting and valuing student activism. Our campus has also been a vigorous protector of the First Amendment and students' rights to assemble peaceably and to express their beliefs, experiences, and opinions through speech and media. We take pride in our students' engagement with social and political issues, viewing it as a desirable, if not essential, component of the college experience. However, simply because speech must be legally permitted does not mean that it is always consistent with the University's values.}

_{Therefore, in addition to the Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent, we suggest that students consider how their speech, event, or expressions may be received by their colleagues and peers at UNH, or potential employers in their field of study.  We encourage individuals to also review and familiarize themselves with our Community Principles when deciding how and whether to engage in free expression on campus. We must also consider the reputational impacts of our speech. Our words, especially those published online in any format, can have lasting impacts. Some speech that is permissible under campus policy and the law might also bear significant social and societal consequences that are beyond the University's control.}