Update on free speech laws, policies and resources

Dear Carolina Community:

As we start a new semester, we want to remind everyone that Carolina is committed to fostering a free exchange of ideas, which is one of the core elements that makes us a vibrant academic community. We pledge to continue our longstanding traditions of protecting free speech and write today to share additional information about free speech policies and expectations at Carolina.

The First Amendment at Carolina

As a public university, Carolina embraces the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and upholds the North Carolina Restore and Preserve Free Speech Act and the UNC System Board of Governors policy on free speech and free expression.

At Carolina, like all public universities, you will have the opportunity to hear a wide range of viewpoints among our campus community and from visiting speakers. Speakers may be invited by a school, department or student organization, among others. These speakers may rent University facilities for events.

Under the First Amendment, the University cannot prohibit a person from speaking on campus because some in our community may not agree with what that person has to say or even because the speech is considered offensive to most people. However, just because we uphold the law does not mean the University endorses or approves such speech in any way.

Demonstrations and Rallies Are Possible

Throughout the year, demonstrations, rallies and other events are always possible on campus and nearby in Chapel Hill. As a state institution, outdoor public spaces on campus are open to all regardless of their views, as long as they follow the law and University policy. Permits are not required for gatherings in most of McCorkle Place but are in other quads and locations under our Facilities Use Policy.

We respect and believe in the rights of peaceful protesters. While anyone — including students, faculty and staff — may gather and exercise their rights to free speech, state law and the Board of Governors policy prohibit significant disruption of University operations. We expect all campus community members to comply. If you do not wish to participate in events on or near campus, plan to use caution and discretion before walking or traveling near those areas.

Supporting our Community

Your safety is the University’s highest priority, and we work closely with town officials and local law enforcement agencies to keep our communities as safe as possible. But we understand that some messages and the presence of some visitors on campus may cause members of our community to feel unsafe — and can cause anxiety and fear. For support, students may contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 919-966-3658 or Student Wellness at 919-962-9355. Faculty and staff may contact our Employee Assistance Program 24 hours a day at 877-314-5841. If you ever feel your physical safety is threatened, including on social media, you should call police immediately by dialing 911.

Free Speech Policy Resources

Understanding the laws and policy related to freedom of speech can be difficult. If you have questions or concerns, the following individuals are available as resources regarding institutional policies affecting the exercise of free speech.

• Debbi Clarke, Associate Provost, clarked@email.unc.edu, 919-445-0956
• Becci Menghini, Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Equal Opportunity and Compliance, becci_menghini@unc.edu, 919-843-0594
• Jonathan Sauls, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, jsauls@unc.edu, 919-966-4045
• Kim Strom, Director, Office of Ethics and Policy Management, ksg@unc.edu, 919-445-8362

This message is sent in accordance with the North Carolina Restore and Preserve Free Speech Act and UNC Board of Governors Policy § 1300.8.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Blouin
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

George Battle
Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity and Risk Management

Amy Johnson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Becci Menghini
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Equal Opportunity and Compliance