Free Speech and Free Expression on Campus

On December 15, 2017, the UNC Board of Governors adopted a policy entitled Free Speech and Free Expression Within the University of North Carolina (“Policy”). The Policy applies to North Carolina Central University as a constituent institution within the UNC System. Key components of the Policy include the following:
 

1. The UNC System’s commitment to free speech and free expression for students, faculty members, staff employees, and visitors;
2. The role of constituent institutions to encourage and broadly protect freedom of thought and expression and to refrain from taking action on public policy controversies of the day that would require students, faculty, or the administration to publicly express a given view of social policy;
3. As permitted by the First Amendment, the ability of students, staff, and faculty to engage in free expression activities at constituent institutions, as well as the right of visitors to have access to campus for purposes of free speech and expression;
4. Information regarding speech and expression that are not protected by the Policy;
5. How information about the Policy will be disseminated to constituent groups and outside parties; and
6. Consequences for violating the Policy, including disciplinary sanctions for anyone who materially and substantially disrupts the functioning of the UNC System Office or NCCU or who substantially interferes with the protected free expression rights of others.

Members of the campus community and visitors to campus should review and familiarize themselves with what is considered the permissible activity and impermissible activity by the Policy. Questions regarding the Policy may be directed to Ms. Joy Hartfield, NCCU's responsible officer who will ensure compliance with the Policy, at [email protected] or (919) 530-7466, as well as to personnel within the Office of Legal Affairs at (919) 530-6105.