Campus Speech Module: Student’s Online Speech Rights
In this module we discuss what students can expect when they speak online, as well as how they can respond productively and effectively to views they find distasteful. We also discuss the proper role of college administrators, who can be a resource for students to help guide discussion, without engaging in restrictive practices and censorship.
Campus Speech Module: Recommended Common Reads from FIRE and First Amendment Watch
Choose from a selection of fiction and non-fiction titles with free expression themes. This reading list is great for administrators looking to assign summer reading, faculty members building syllabi, and student reading groups.
Campus Speech Module: The Role of Student Publications on Campus
Student journalists and publications play a vital role in informing their fellow students about campus events, serving as a check on their school’s administration, and uncovering stories that outside media might miss. Use this module to understand student journalist’s rights and their limitations.
Campus Speech Module: FAQ: The First Amendment and Campus Life
Does the First Amendment apply to private schools? Can universities create policies that regulate student speech? Is hate speech a form of harassment? We created this module to answer basic and frequently asked questions students have about free speech on campus.
Can A Public School Punish A Student For Off-Campus Speech?
On January 8th, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case involving a high school student who was suspended from her cheerleading team for a Snapchat selfie she made after school hours. The lower courts are currently split as to whether a school can discipline off-campus speech that is substantially disruptive and closesly linked to school.
Campus Speech Group Publishes Report on Internet Expression
The report details 35 incidents of universities punishing students or faculty for speech online, and 10 universities with policies in place that FIRE says give administrators “immense power to punish large swaths of speech.” According to the advocacy group, many public universities are acting like the First Amendment applies differently to online speech.
Campus Speech Module: Talking Across Differences
When students enter college, they will meet others from all walks of life with different opinions, experiences, and backgrounds. This can be a difficult environment to adapt to, so it is important to help students develop the ability to talk across their differences. This skill will help students become more inquisitive and confident in their own knowledge.
Campus Speech Module: Offensive Speech on Campus
Offensive speech is nearly unavoidable in diverse environments such as college campuses. With the help of video from Nadine Strossen, former president of the ACLU, this module teaches students how to cope with and respond to offensive speech. Additionally, it teaches why the First Amendment protects “hate speech” and when offensive speech loses First Amendment protection.