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Saginaw Valley State University

General Counsel

Free Speech On Campus

At Saginaw Valley State University, we transform lives through educational excellence and dynamic partnerships, unleashing possibilities for impact in our community and worldwide. 

As a public university, SVSU upholds the First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, supporting lawful and non-disruptive expressive activity without content restrictions. We pride ourselves on cultivating our campus to be a marketplace of ideas and are committed to protecting our community's constitutional rights. We also value maintaining a community where each member feels heard and respected. 

Here is the link to our Use of SVSU Property for Expressive Activity Policy for more detailed information. 

students at football game cheering

You Won't Agree With Everyone

Because Saginaw Valley State University is a public university and protects our right to free speech, the University must remain content-neutral. However, SVSU will also consider the safety of the campus community. You may not agree with what is being expressed, and you will be faced with people who disagree with you. It’s important to be civil regarding different points of view. Sometimes, conversations will be uncomfortable, and we have to do our best to prepare ourselves for those situations and maintain civilized discourse.

With this in mind, if you are in need of wellness support due to Expressive Activity, feel free to access the support resources at the bottom of this page. 

Time, Place, And Manner

The University may place reasonable time, place, and manner limitations on campus speech to ensure University operations are not disrupted. For example:

Time

The University may regulate the time when expressive activities take place including, but not limited to, during finals week or during quiet hours for campus residents. 

Place

All indoor University facilities and spaces are considered a limited public forum where regulations about time, place, and manner of the Expressive Activity will depend on the intended use of the space.

Public forums are any publicly available spaces on campus such as the sidewalks around campus. Sidewalks may be used for expressive activity but individuals may not block sidewalk or road access. 

Manner

Disruptive conduct is not protected by the freedom of speech. Disruptive conduct is defined as conduct that may limit or prevent the ability of students, faculty, staff, and other visitors to conduct University operations, classwork, programs, events, or residential use of buildings and/or otherwise collides with the rights of others.

Some examples of disruptive conduct include interfering with University operations, limiting or preventing use of a space, interfering with individuals' activities, or inappropriate use of amplification devices. 

Inflammatory Speech

The University shall not impose restrictions on individuals and groups due to the content or viewpoint of their Expressive Activity or the possible reaction to that Expressive Activity.

For speech to be protected, it must:

  • Address a matter of public concern; and
  • Be expressed in an individual’s capacity as a private citizen.

Speech that some find hateful or offensive is protected speech unless it crosses into one of the categories listed below.

Speech NOT protected by the First Amendment:

  • Incitement;
  • True threats;
  • Fighting Words;
  • Obscenity;
  • Speech Integral to Criminal Conduct;
  • Defamation; and
  • Fraud/Perjury.

Expressive Activity Support Resources

If you feel offended consider the following: 

  • Understanding Different Perspectives: Recognize that what feels offensive to one person may be interpreted differently by others.
  • Freedom of Speech: Remember that the freedom of speech protects most expressive activity, even if the activity is controversial.
  • Reflecting on Intent: Consider the intent of the activity, they may be intending to spark dialogue rather than to offend.
  • Engaging with the Content: Ask yourself why the content offends you and whether it raises important issues or provides new insights that may be valuable in a broader conversation.
  • Civil Dialogue: Consider discussing the content with others in a civil manner. Conversations about differing opinions can be valuable learning opportunities.
  • Walk Away: You do not have to engage with the expressive activity. Sometimes it is easier to simply utilize an alternative route to your destination. 

If you have any questions or concerns about Expressive Activity:

  • All safety concerns should be reported to University Police at (989) 964-4141.
  • Students with any questions or general concerns should contact Student Life at (989) 964-4170.
  • All others with questions may contact the Conference Center at (989) 964-4348.

Support Resources

If you are seeking support for your mental health and wellness due to an Expressive Activity:

  • University students, staff, and faculty may contact the Mental Health and Wellness Center at (989) 964-7078 or visit their office in Curtiss Hall Room 112. The office’s Crisis Hotline is available 24/7.
  • University staff and faculty may access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at (800) 448-8326. 

If you feel that you have experienced harassment, discrimination, or a bias related incident resulting from Expressive Activity, you may access the following resources;

  • You may seek to report the perceived harassment, discrimination, or a bias related incident by contacting the Office of Diversity Programs at (989) 964-4068, Human Resources at (989) 964-4108, or filing a Campus Climate Incident Report Form. 

CONTACT US.






General Counsel
Wickes 364
generalcounsel@svsu.edu
989-964-4197