There's no constitutional right to not be offended. Controversial speech is expected and valued on college campuses and in our society, which means free speech protection still applies if a speaker is shouting derogatory comments or a social media post is offensive to a particular population.

 

Learn About Controversial Speech

The right to engage in aforementioned types of expression is a protected right under our laws, and court rulings exist that articulate offensive speech and unpopular viewpoints are what need legal protection most.

 

Read about Texas v. Johnson

On April 29, 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Oklahoma Senate Bill 361 into law. This new law, as codified at 70 O.S. § 2120, states:

 

"The outdoor areas of campuses of public institutions of higher education in this state shall be deemed public forums for the campus community, and public institutions of higher education shall not create “free speech zones” or other designated areas of campus outside of which expressive activities are prohibited."

 

Read the law in its entirety

Pursuant to 70 O.S. § 2120, the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges submits the following to demonstrate its course of action for compliance with the requirements of this statute. 

 

Free Speech Annual Report