Free Speech at OSU
Free Speech at Oklahoma State
Support Resources
Resources for Speakers
Things to Remember:
Find Common Ground
While sometimes people say things that are oppositional to our beliefs, it's important to remember that we can still have productive conversations and relationships with those whom we disagree with.
It's OK to Disagree
We can all be friends with people who don't share identical beliefs. It's important to acknowledge that we're all different, and that's okay!
- Controversial or Offending Speech
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.
- Aforementioned Types of Expression
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.
- Employee TrainingIn keeping with the university's commitment to foster an environment where free speech is protected and by state statute, all deans, heads of departments and individuals responsible for establishing free speech policies or handling free speech complaints must complete training every two years. Training courses are hosted by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and are available in the university's Learning Management System for on-demand learning.
- Oklahoma Senate Bill 361 (2019)
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."
- Oklahoma Senate Bill 1725 (2026)
On May 12, 2026, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Oklahoma Senate Bill 1725 into law. This new law amends 70 O.S. § 2120 and allows public higher education institutions to charge a security fee to a student or student organization for expressive activities that require a permit, prohibits campus discipline for harassment in expressive activity unless certain criteria are met, clarifies that institutions can support students affected by expressive activity, and mandates that such institutions provide annual free speech training to new students.
- Annual Report
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 Violation Complaint Form
- Campus Resources
OSU – Stillwater
Contact:
Meeting & Conference Services
meetings@okstate.edu
405-744-5232
Space RequestOSU – Tulsa
Contact:
Nekki Regan-Neeley
emonica.reagan@okstate.edu
918-594-8234Contact:
Kimberly McCrackin
kim.mccrackin@okstate.edu
918-594-8231
Space Request:
Requesting Internal Event:
Tulsa EventsOSU – Center for Health Sciences
Contact:
Angela Bacon
Angela.bacon@okstate.edu
918-561-8489
Space Request