Free Speech
At UIC we value all members of our community and we respect free speech. We strive to create and sustain an inclusive and respectful atmosphere and support the exchange of free ideas, and individual differences.
The University recognizes the necessity of protecting First Amendment rights and encouraging free speech. Certain conduct can threaten the mutual respect that is the foundation of scholarly conduct. Our policies are intended to secure the freedom of expression guaranteed by the United States Constitution while maintaining the trust and mutual respect that are vital to a diverse university community.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press. It also protects the right to peaceful protest and to petition the government. This Amendment allows for a truly open dialogue and exchange of ideas among people who may not agree with one another.
The First Amendment protects us against government limits on our freedom of expression, but it doesn’t prevent an organization from setting its own rules within the confines of the Constitution. As such, the University has created a Policy on Open Expression. If you have a concern that you believe impedes these efforts, you may report your concerns via the Bias Reporting Tool.