Freedom of Expression

The University at Buffalo strives to create an environment in which diverse opinions can be expressed and heard.  As a public university, it is a fundamental value of UB that all members of the campus community and their invited guests have a right to peacefully express their views and opinions, regardless of whether others may disagree with those expressions. This includes the right of protesters to oppose the views or opinions of others, but not in such a way as to limit or prevent the speaker's freedom of expression or interfere with university operations.

The First Amendment requires that the university remain viewpoint neutral when permitting student groups or other recognized organizations to invite speakers of their choosing to campus, even if the viewpoints of the speaker or content of the speech run counter to UB’s values of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect.

As a State University of New York institution, UB must also allow individuals or groups who are unaffiliated with the university to demonstrate or protest in designated outdoor spaces on campus, so long as the demonstrations do not disrupt regular operations.

The university requires all groups using campus space to abide by university guidelines and state laws concerning the exhibition and management of public events.

To learn more about UB's commitment to freedom of expression, visit www.buffalo.edu/free-expression