Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities: Student Policies and Regulations- Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent

Relevant Excerpt

As a public institution and a statewide community of scholars and learners, the University of New Hampshire strongly values free speech both in the statement of an idea and in the response to that idea and is committed to fostering vigorous debate based on facts and evidence. Generating and exploring innovative ideas and realities requires us to permit multiple perspectives and dynamic discourse. Therefore, protecting and promoting free expression is not only a fundamental constitutional right but also the very bedrock of learning and developing students to become global citizens.

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Different ideas in the University community will often and quite naturally conflict. All community members have an opportunity to model productive disagreement and mutual respect. However, it is not the proper role or position of the University to shield an individual from ideas and opinions they, or others, find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply abhorrent, nor shall the University sanitize those differing perspectives to protect the intended audience. Students' freedom of expression includes the right to speak and write without institutional discipline or restraint.

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The University has a duty and will take whatever steps it deems necessary to protect its property, the right of any individual or organization to demonstrate and publicly proclaim any view, however unpopular, and to protect the freedom of speech, choice, assembly, and movement of any individual or group that is the object of the demonstration. When possible, the University will provide individuals with a reasonable opportunity to correct or modify behavior as an attempt to resolve matters at the lowest level and without the use of more formalized measures. The University is prepared to respond to violation of laws or University regulations and may employ a range of measures.