One of the great contributions CU Anschutz makes to society is the creation of new knowledge and new solutions to improve human health. To fulfill that critical mission, we must be an inclusive and respectful community in which each of us feels empowered to speak freely about our ideas and perspectives. This is crucial to the open, innovative environment that enables our campus to thrive. - Donald Elliman, Jr., CU Anschutz Chancellor
Freedom of Expression
The CU Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to being a place where free speech and academic freedom are valued, supported and protected, within a culture of civility and respect. In accordance with CU Regent law and policies, revised in September 2018, we distinguish between academic freedom, which happens in classrooms and research labs, and freedom of expression, which happens on campus and in a person’s private life. This website outlines our steadfast commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom and highlights relevant policies and programs.
History
Free Speech at CU Anschutz
As a campus of the University of Colorado, CU Anschutz advances the health and well-being of the people of Colorado and the world through its pioneering advances in education, research and healthcare delivery.
As part of engaging a well-trained professional citizenry, CU Anschutz hosts speakers who represent differing views. CU Anschutz will continue to ensure that the primacy of academic freedom and freedom of expression are upheld and the critical nature of civil discourse remains a part of this community.
For Students
Freedom of expression plays a valuable role in the student experience at CU Anschutz. Universities provide unique opportunities for you to hear a variety of viewpoints, express your own views, debate issues, get involved and make change. An active, vocal and engaged student body is a keystone of university life. CU Anschutz students enjoy academic freedom (the ability to raise questions and challenge views in the classroom) and freedom of expression (both on campus and in their private life), as protected by the First Amendment and Colorado’s constitution. Below are resources for getting involved on campus, as well as exercising your freedom of speech:
- Campus Student Services
- Student Organizations & Interest Groups
- Student Senate at CU Anschutz
- Campus Happenings
- Student Conduct and Community Standards
- Office of Equity (for student academic freedom violations)
CU Anschutz Policies & Procedures
Regent Laws & Policies
- Article 1: Freedom of Expression
- Policy 1: Freedom of Expression
- Article 5: Faculty (includes academic freedom)
- Policy 5: Faculty (includes academic freedom)
- Article 7: Students (includes academic freedom)
- Policy 7: Students (includes academic freedom)
- Article 8: Conduct of Members of the University Community
- Policy 8: Conduct of Members of the University Community
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to protest a controversial speaker, may I?
Nov 29, 2018, 12:45 PM
Question :
I want to protest a controversial speaker, may I?
Yes. Just as the First Amendment protects a speaker’s right to express their views, it also protects the right of citizens to peaceably assemble in protest, and this right cannot be infringed based on the viewpoint of the protesters. However, a protest that causes material disruption or violence is not protected, and police may be required to act for safety purposes depending on the circumstances. The university would encourage protesters to follow the lawful instructions of police officers or university officials working in connection with the event. This may include directions to prevent destruction of property, or crowd dispersal where it is necessary to preserve public safety.
As described above, reasonable time, place or manner regulations may apply to protest activity. It is important to read and understand the university’s policies and procedures with respect to the use of campus grounds and facilities. Of course, such regulations do not take into account the viewpoints expressed by protesters. Rather, as described in the campus policy, these regulations are designed to prevent disruption of the university’s educational mission and to safeguard the security of the campus community.
Lastly, university policy —such as the respective school/college Honor or Professionalism Codes may apply to protester activity depending on the circumstances. For example, protester conduct that causes serious disruption or incites others to commit violence or property destruction may have legal and campus policy consequences.
Related campus :
Related target Audience :
Tags :
Categories :