EWU logo

    • Apply
    • Academics
    • Athletics
    • Calendar
    • Community
    • About
    • InsideEWU
    • Canvas
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Student Affairs

Eastern Washington University

  • Home
    • Contact Us
    • Mission, Vision, & Values
    • Student Affairs Directory
    • Student Satisfaction Survey Results
  • Careers & Internships
  • Equity & Inclusion
    • Organizations
      • Adult & Lifelong Learners
      • ASEWU
      • Global Learning
      • Multicultural Center
      • Pride Center
      • The Easterner
      • Veterans Resource Center
    • Free Speech
    • Holiday & Interfaith Calendar
    • Equity Action Plan
  • Student Engagement
  • Support & Accommodations
    • Resources for Students
    • Resources for Parents & Guardians
    • Resources for Faculty & Staff
  • Campus Safety

Free Speech

"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."

-The First Amendment of the United States Constitution

FreedomSpeechDef
Free Speech FAQs
EWU Policy

-Free Speech FAQs

What is protected under the First Amendment? Expand

The first amendment protects: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition. These freedoms are however subject to limitations. Notably laws against defamation, and incitement of violence or rebellion. For example it is still illegal to block polling stations even though we have freedom of assembly.

At what point does speech become harassment? Expand

There is no clear line that defines when something passes from utilizing the right of free speech to becoming harassment. Harassment is generally assessed by asking the following questions:
1) Is is specifically targeted at a particular person or group?
2) Is it a repeating occurrence?
3) Is the speech intimidating or threatening?

Does the First Amendment protect civil disobedience? Expand

The First Amendment does not mean that you do not have to follow EWU policies or local, state, and federal laws. 

What are some types of speech are not protected by the First Amendment? Expand

• Speech (or actions) that could be deemed a true and immediate physical threat.

• Speech that calls for illegal activity.

• Harassment in an educational institution on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.

Can I protest an event or demonstration on campus? Expand

Yes, so long as you do so peacefully.

  • You may not block or prevent the movement of a person or group.
  • You must follow the direction of law enforcement.
  • You may not call for violence or illegal activities.
  • If others are engaging in illegal activities you should remove yourself from the location.

 

What should I consider when planning a demonstration? Expand

EWU encourages all protestors to notify the EWU Police Department at least 24-hours in advance. The EWU Police Department’s phone number is 509-359-4021. If an activity is likely to attract 100 or more protestors or counter-protestors, the group is required to contact the EWU Police Department at least 3 days in advance to ensure adequate safety measures are in place.

Keep in mind the City of Cheney's noise ordinance. For more detailed information about protests and free speech, visit Free Speech FAQs.

Can I drown out the words of a speaker I disagree with? Expand

No, it would not be freedom of speech if it was censored/blocked.

How do First Amendment rights apply to events at public universities compared to events at private ones? Expand

The first amendment must be upheld by public universities. Public Universities are government entities. Private schools are not controlled by the state, those schools’ administrations can generally impose whatever restrictions they wish on speech or on visitors to campus.

Eastern Washington University is a public university.

What are “time, place, and manner” restrictions? Expand

The supreme court has ruled that public entities (such as EWU) have the right to regulate the “time, place, and manner” of speech for the safety and functionality of the entity.

Public universities may not block a controversial speaker but they may make reasonable restrictions to the time, place, and manner of an event or demonstration.

What is the EWU Student Conduct Code? Expand

The Student Conduct Code sets forth the standards of conduct expected from students from the time they are accepted as a student until their graduation, including during breaks. You may view the conduct code online here.

For questions or concerns regarding the student conduct code please contact Student Rights & Responsibilities.

-Support Resouces

Counseling & Wellness Services
Multicultural Center
Bias Reporting
ICARE Student Referral Form
Pride Center
All Reporting Options

-Fact Checking

FactCheck-100

Fact Checking Resources

 procon.org • snopes.com • factcheck.org • truthorfiction.com

 

 

Primary Sidebar

dosewu

dosewu
January is Mental Wellness Month! Do something to January is Mental Wellness Month! Do something to take care of yourself this weekend. ❤️ 

#ewu #goeags #mentalwellnessmonth #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #wellness #selfcare #988 #cheney #spokane #easternwashingtonuniversity #eastern
Great day to be an Eag! Shout out to both @ewuwbb Great day to be an Eag! Shout out to both @ewuwbb and @ewumbb 🦅♥️🦅♥️

LOVED seeing all the students  and @ewualumni out tonight! 

#goeags
When friendships are negatively impacting your hea When friendships are negatively impacting your health and wellbeing, it might be time to set some boundaries. 

#ewu #collegetips #adulting #adulting101 #boundaries #easternwa #spokane #goeags
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Student Affairs
509.359.7088
PUB 301

Eastern Washington University
509.359.6200 • Contact Information
EWU expands opportunities for personal transformation through excellence in learning.
  • About EWU
  • Accessibility
  • Campus Map
  • Visit EWU
  • Diversity
  • InsideEWU
  • EWU Libraries
  • Jobs
  • Campus Locations
  • Canvas
  • Leadership
  • EWU Foundation
  • Privacy Policy
  • Rules Docket

© 2023 Eastern Washington University