Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. In line with this purpose, the Board of Regents for Higher Education (“BOR”) in conjunction with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (“CSCU”) has the duty to protect the freedoms of inquiry and expression, and furthermore, has the responsibility to encourage all of its members to develop the capacity for critical judgment in their sustained and independent search for truth. (BOR Student Code of Conduct, Preamble)
Free expression is a fundamental value at Central Connecticut State University (Central). As a public university, we must balance the right to free speech on campus with our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all students. This balance is complex and sometimes challenging, yet essential. Engaging with diverse perspectives is a cornerstone of academic freedom and a vital part of the learning experience.
As a public university, Central upholds the principles of free expression while maintaining designated areas on campus that serve as public forums. The 'public' nature of our university is significant: With limited exceptions, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits government entities, including public universities, from restricting speech based on its content or a speaker's viewpoint. Access to Central facilities is regulated through content-neutral policies and guidelines.
While Central cannot regulate speech based on content or viewpoint, it may establish reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of expression. For example, a protest disrupting academic activities may be subject to regulation, provided such rules are applied consistently to all individuals and groups.
Additionally, Central may regulate access to certain spaces under state law, such as faculty offices, unless an individual has been granted permission to enter.
The First Amendment protects a broad range of expression beyond spoken words. This includes written and published content, symbolic speech (such as wearing a shirt with a controversial symbol), expressive conduct, and speech combined with action (such as peaceful protests and boycotts).
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (“CSCU”) supports the concepts of freedom of thought, inquiry, speech, and lawful assembly. It also supports the right of all individuals and groups at all times to pursue their normal activities at the colleges and universities and to be protected from physical injury or property damage. (Free Speech Central – Human Resources)
CSCU has certain self-defined institutional values. Principal among these values is respect for the safety, dignity, rights, and individuality of each member of the CSCU community. The opportunity to live, study, and work in an institution which values diverse intellectual and cultural perspectives and encourages discussion and debate about competing ideas in an atmosphere of civility is considered a privilege and an honor by those who are invited to join the CSCU community.
All members of the CSCU community must at all times govern their social and academic interactions with tolerance and mutual respect so that the students who pass through a CSCU door are enriched by these experiences and are prepared for full and enlightened participation in a multi-cultural society. Because of the BOR's and CSCU's commitment to principles of pluralism, mutual respect, and civility, certain activities or behaviors are not acceptable on CSCU campuses. Acts of intolerance, hatred or violence based on race, religion, sexual orientation or expression, disability, gender, age, ethnic background, gender identity or express, or other protected classes, are antithetical to CSCU's fundamental principles and values. Allegations of conduct that could constitute a violation of the Interim Discriminatory Harassment, Nondiscrimination, and Title IX Policy, and the Student Code will be administered according to the Interim Discriminatory Harassment, Nondiscrimination, and Title IX Policy and applicable procedures.
It is the BOR's and CSCU's responsibility to protect our students' right to learn by establishing an environment of mutual respect and civility. (BOR Student Code of Conduct, Preamble)