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Campus Free Speech

Campus Free Speech

PEN America champions free speech on college campuses and provides resources to students and administrators to maximize both speech and inclusion.

PEN America’s Campus Free Speech Guide

Text Speakers and Events appears in bold white letters over a blue gradient background, with a faint illustration of a building featuring a dome and stairway in the center.

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A graphic with the word Protests overlaid on images of a person holding a sign, a megaphone, and a graduation cap, all on a blue gradient background.

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White text reading Hateful Speech and Expression over a blue background with abstract images of a flame, speech bubble with symbols, tangled lines, microphones, and lightning bolts.

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Text reading Faculty Speech and Expression over a blue background with outlines of a school building, a notepad, a pen, and a person speaking or teaching.

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Two people stand facing a large campus building with a clock tower, silhouettes partially visible, as the words Campus Climate appear prominently over the image.

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Free Speech Principles

Understand PEN America’s position when it comes to upholding free speech, academic freedom, and inclusive communities. 

See the 7 Principles >>

Tips, Guidance & Case Studies

Get tips and advice about free speech issues on campuses with examples from actual events ripped from the headlines of campus papers.

Get Guidance >>

The Law

Various federal, state and local statutes and regulations impact campus free speech and the rights of students, faculty, and the general public on campuses.

Beyond the 1A >>

Campus For All Workshops

Developed by a diverse team of higher education professionals, our workshop offerings cover the basics of free speech and academic freedom and provide tools and tactics on campus for all members of the campus community.

Our team is also available for conference presentations, keynotes, and panel discussions. For more information, get in touch with us at [email protected].

Workshop offerings

Reports

PEN America has found that U.S. campuses struggle to balance both free speech and welcoming campuses for all students.

Tips & Guidance

  • When Social Media Posts Become a Fireable Offense

    Thursday January 8
    Kristen Shahverdian
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  • A man at a protest holds a red and yellow sign listing Types of Property: Women, Slaves, Animals, Cars, Land, etc. Other people and trees are visible in the background.

    Is Hate Speech Free Speech? 

    Monday January 5
    Kristen Shahverdian
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  • Audience seated in a lecture hall, with two people at the back holding a sign that reads Raskin STOP ARMING ISRAEL. The mood appears attentive, and some people are looking toward the sign.

    What is a Heckler’s Veto?

    Friday December 5
    Aileen Favilla
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PEN America on the Latest Campus Free Speech News

  • Political Pressure Has No Place in University Hiring Decisions

    Friday January 16
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  • PEN America Launches Comprehensive Guide to Free Speech  on Campus Amid Continued Threats to Academic Freedom

    Wednesday January 7
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  • View of a green campus with trees, walkways, open lawn, and a tall clock tower in the center. Buildings and distant mountains are visible under a partly cloudy sky.

    PEN America Condemns Use of Forbidden Words List to Censor Native American Author

    Friday December 5
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Our Staff

Help PEN America Defend Campus Free Speech

Join the fight against the censorship of our colleges and universities. Support PEN America and help us defend the right to teach and the right to learn.