As students return to campus for the fall semester, the university has taken steps to highlight existing policies around free speech and create new ones related to student disciplinary procedures and campus operations in order to help provide a safe and supportive campus environment for everyone.

University of Michigan leaders remind the campus community that:

• University policy has long been clear that an individual’s right to protest must not infringe on the rights of others, endanger the community or disrupt the operations of the university.  
• These long-standing policies will continue to be enforced. The draft disruptive activity policy that was circulated following the honors convocation disruption in March was not enacted and will not move forward.           
• University policy prohibits encampments or unauthorized structures on university property.
• The university has streamlined its system for responding to reports related to discrimination and harassment. All reports should now be directed to the U-M Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office.

Freedom of speech

Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and academic freedom are essential to the core educational mission of the university.  These freedoms are reflected in the university’s history, policies and practices, which also welcome dissent, advocacy and the expression of the broadest array of ideas.

At the same time, the law and university policy prohibit individuals and groups from disrupting activities and events at U-M. The university will intervene when anyone attempts to substantially disrupt or interfere with the constitutionally protected speech of others.

The university will enforce policies to support a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Violations of policy will be investigated and result in appropriate consequences. Any conduct that may violate criminal law will be referred to federal, state, or local prosecutors.

Non-discrimination and harassment

The university is committed to promoting an equitable, welcoming and accessible campus that is free from discrimination, harassment and hostile environments.

Nondiscrimination laws require the university to address discrimination based on a variety of protected classes.  For instance, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires schools that receive federal financial assistance to prohibit and respond to harassment and hostile environments related to race, color and national origin, including discrimination based on a student’s actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.

In June, the university reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights and agreed to enhance its response to situations where an individual’s acts or speech might create a hostile environment for others. In such a circumstance, the university will continue to offer support, including counseling, facilitated dialogues, conflict coaching and safety resources as appropriate.

As part of that agreement, the university will streamline its system for responding to reports related to discrimination and harassment. All reports should now be directed to the U-M Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office.

The university will also develop an annual training program regarding discrimination and harassment based on race, color and national origin, including discrimination based on a student’s actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnicity.

Policy changes and upcoming review

The university is guided by several policies including the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Standard Practice Guide 601.01– Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression and the Regents Ordinance. Additional policies govern the use of the Diag and other outdoor areas and make clear that enclosed tents and encampments are prohibited on campus.

The executive officers of the university this summer adopted Standard Practice Guide for Facilities Use 601.41, which governs the use and control of all properties and facilities that are owned or operated by the university. This policy was developed over a seven-year period with direct input from hundreds of university constituents.

Separately, the Board of Regents in July clarified that the university may submit a complaint alleging a violation to the SSRR when no individual student, faculty, or staff member has otherwise done so.

Timeframes were added to the SSRR to ensure that matters involving recourse to disciplinary process are resolved swiftly. The updates to SSRR were made to promote greater clarity and accountability on campus.

The Board of Regents has the authority to amend the SSRR, as it does any other university policy, consistent with its duty to lawfully govern the university under the Michigan Constitution.

In addition, regular reviews, occurring every three years, are led by the Student Relations Advisory Committee, in coordination with the Office of Student Conflict Resolution and Central Student Government.

The next regular review by SRAC, OSCR and CSG will begin this fall, and the community is encouraged to participate in the process by submitting proposed amendments.

Tags:

• Equity Civil Rights and Title IX Office
• facilities
• free expression
• free speech
• Standard Practice Guide
• Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities