SUNY Morrisville is committed to the protection of freedom of speech and expression. We strive to create a community where diverse thoughts and opinions can be expressed and heard. As a member of our community, you have the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. With these rights comes an obligation to maintain a community atmosphere that is conducive to education and respectful of the rights of all individuals.
When you encounter speech that you disagree with, DO:
- Voice your opinion while respecting the rights and opinions of others
- Participate in constructive dialogue
- Engage in your own peaceful protest
- Ignore the speaker
DO NOT:
- Attempt to block or obstruct the speaker's message
- Make threats or be physical
- Damage property
- Infringe or disrupt College operations or the education of others
As a SUNY public institution, SUNY Morrisville is required to provide a designated public forum for third parties to exercise their free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution. The College does not invite third parties to use this designated space nor is allowed to inquire about the nature/content of their speech. The College does have an obligation, no matter the message/information being provided, to ensure the safety of all those exercising their right to speak.
For information about third party using campus spaces, please visit this webpage.
If you are planning an assembly, rally, demonstration or other large event, please review the Campus Events/Activities Guidebook for all relevant policies and procedures.
Resources
- When Hate Speech and Free Speech Collide
- First Amendment Rights for Student Protesters
- APLU's Statement on Free Speech
- Speech on Campus (ACLU)
- SUNY Statement on Academic Freedom
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the First Amendment?
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
How does the First Amendment apply on campus?
As a public institution, the U.S. Constitution prohibits SUNY Morrisville from banning or punishing speech based on its content or viewpoint. Registered student clubs and organizations are welcome to invite speakers to campus and provide access to campus venues, in accordance with the policies outlined in the Community Guidelines for Events/Activities and Assemblies. The College cannot take away that right or withdraw resources based on the views of the invited speaker.
What are SUNY Morrisville’s “Time, Place, Manner" policies?
The Supreme Court has said that public entities, including SUNY Morrisville, have discretion to regulate the "time, place, and manner" of speech. The ability to speak on campus is not a right to speak at any time, at any place, and in any manner that a person wishes. The College can and will regulate where, when, and how speech occurs in order to ensure the functioning of the campus and achievement of important goals – such as protecting public safety.
When it comes to controversial speakers, the College invokes this necessary authority in order to hold events at a time and location that maximizes the chances that an event will proceed successfully and safely. The University heeds the University Police Department’s (UPD) assessment of how best to hold safe and successful events. The University may invoke its time, place, and manner discretion, for example, to ensure that an event with a highly controversial speaker would be held in a venue that UPD believes to be protectable (e.g., one with an ample number of exits, etc.).
The need to consider time, place, and manner regulations is the reason that we require students to work with Student Activities when setting up their events, as opposed to scheduling and creating events on their own.
Can I protest a campus speaker if I do not agree with their point of view?
Yes. SUNY Morrisville encourages all who engage in protest activity to do so safely and in accordance with the following guidelines.
- Freedom of Expression & Assembly Student Policy & Procedures
- Posting Policy
- Identification Card Policy
- Camping and Use of Tents on Campus Policy
Some reminders about protests and counter-protests:
- Do not obstruct the free movement of people or vehicles such as blocking hallways and doors.
- Do not jeopardize the safety and security of others – the presence of sticks, poles, or torches are prohibited.
- Follow the lawful instructions of a police officer or public official, such as staying behind barriers, leaving an area declared an unlawful assembly, and not resisting arrest. It is against the law to disobey a lawful order by a police officer.
- Leave an area where others are engaging in illegal activities and acts of violence. Your presence may be interpreted as participating in a riot or illegal group action.
- Refrain from speech that incites others to commit acts of violence such as pushing, kicking or spitting on others, destruction of property, or other unlawful actions.
While exercising the right to public assembly, the Code of Student Conduct and all other University policies remain in effect.
Make informed decisions. If you choose to engage in civil disobedience and get arrested, know the potential consequences.
The presidential election is a touchstone for our democracy that enables us all to be more thoughtful and engaged citizens of New York and our country. As we build our collective strength in civic engagement, we must remember that we are a campus that values diversity of thought, experience, and expression. We may be uncomfortable with other points of views, but our Right to Free Speech allows for others to speak their truth. All policies regarding free speech apply.
If you experience harassment based on your gender, your identity, race or ethnicity, family heritage, language, or perceived heritage, you are able to report using the Bias Acts Response or the Hate Crimes forms.