Free Speech at OSU

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Oklahoma State University values and protects the constitutional right of free speech. Through this, we seek to provide all members of the OSU community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. This value is expressed in OSU’s mission statement by promoting learning and advancing knowledge. 

 

“Building on its land-grant heritage, Oklahoma State University promotes learning, advances knowledge, enriches lives, and stimulates economic development through teaching, research, extension, outreach and creative activities.”

 

OSU’s Core Value in Intellectual Freedom also supports free speech.

 

“Believe in ethical and scholarly questioning that respects the rights of all to freely pursue knowledge.”

 

Because of this core value we strive to provide a safe environment for any individual or groups who wish to express their constitutional right to freedom of speech on our campus.

 

Pursuant to Oklahoma law, all outdoor areas of the OSU campus which are generally accessible by the public are areas where speech may occur. The University cannot restrict speech based upon viewpoint, including in demonstrations or social media posts. OSU is a public institution and while the institution protects everyone’s right to freedom of speech, the institution does have the ability and the obligation to reasonably restrict speech in certain areas of campus based on time, place, and manner considerations.