13.10 Freedom of Expression
Providing a forum for the free expression of ideas is a cherished and
time-honored feature of university life.
Freedom of expression is legally reinforced and mandated by: 1) the First
Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make
no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press..." and
2) Article I, Bill of Rights, Section 7, of the Iowa Constitution: "Every
person may speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being
responsible for the abuse of that right. No law shall be passed to restrain
or abridge the liberty of speech, or the press."
As a university of the state of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa
bears a collective responsibility to ensure that freedom of expression
is protected. The university's mission statement declares that "[t]he
University is committed to providing an optimum level of learning opportunities
for the intellectual development of its students, faculty, staff."
In carrying out these responsibilities, allowances may be made for considerations
of reasonable time, place and manner of expression that are content-neutral.
To this end, it is the responsibility of every university employee and
student to abide by the legal requirements ensuring freedom of expression.
4/13/90
President's Bulletin, 9/9/90 |
