P E N N S Y L V A N I A ’ S S T A T E S Y S T E M O F H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N

Freedom of Expression,

the First Amendment and

the Public University

Office of Chief Counsel

Jeffrey Hawkins, Univ. Legal Counsel

P E N N S Y L V A N I A ’ S S T A T E S Y S T E M O F H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N

Who Is The Speaker?

o Public Citizen

o University Employee

o Faculty Member

o Student

o Speakers Invited by the University

P E N N S Y L V A N I A ’ S S T A T E S Y S T E M O F H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N

Where Is The Expression

Occurring?

o Public Forum

o Designated Public Forum

o Nonpublic Forum

P E N N S Y L V A N I A ’ S S T A T E S Y S T E M O F H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N

What Is Being Expressed?

o Political or Religious Speech/Matters of

Public Concern

o Symbolic Expression

o Academic Freedom

o Commercial Speech

P E N N S Y L V A N I A ’ S S T A T E S Y S T E M O F H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N

What About Hate Speech?

In the United States hateful speech is

fully protected by the First Amendment.

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Limitations On Free Speech

• Speech that incites actions that would

harm others

• Making and distributing obscene

materials

• Reasonable Time Place and Manner

Restrictions

P E N N S Y L V A N I A ’ S S T A T E S Y S T E M O F H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N

Questions?