Freedom of Expression Statement
The Freedom of Expression Statement should be included in event programs for speakers or performers invited to the University.
The statement is as follows:
Thank you for attending this program. The University of Michigan strives to create a truly open forum, one in which diverse opinions can be expressed and heard.
It is the right of members of the University community, speakers, artists, and other invited guests to express their views and opinions at the University. We will protect the right of individuals to speak or perform, and the rights of those members of the University community who wish to hear and communicate with an invited speaker or artist.
Protesters also have a right to express their opposition to a speaker in appropriate ways, both within the confines of this building and outside the facility. However, protesters must not interfere unduly with communication between a speaker or artist and members of the audience.
If the hosts of this event or University representatives believe that protesters are interfering unduly with a speaker or performer's freedom of expression, those protesters will be warned. If the warnings are not heeded and the interference continues, then the individuals responsible may be removed from the building.
We reaffirm these policies in order to most fully protect the rights of free expression for speakers, performers, and protesters alike, as set forth by our Civil Liberties Board in our Student Handbook, and in accordance with the U-M Standard Practice Guide; Regents’ Ordinance Article XII, Section 1; and state statutes.