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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.

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PEN America’s Campus Free Speech Guide

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A blue-toned graphic featuring the word Protests overlaid on illustrations of a graduation cap, a raised fist holding a megaphone, and a person holding a protest sign.

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The words Hateful Speech appear over a collage of flames, lightning bolts, angry symbols, and scribbles, all set against a blue background.

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Graphic with the words Faculty Speech overlaid on illustrations of a school building, a person at a laptop, a spiral notebook, and a pen, all on a blue background.

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Two students with backpacks stand facing a large campus building with a clock tower; the words Campus Climate are written across the image on a blue background.

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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
A person stands at a podium giving a presentation during a Campus for All workshop, with attendees seated. Two projection screens display the title Grieving Parent Portraits next to a silhouette image of a child and adult.

Reports

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

Tips & Guidance

  • A wall with posters and a whiteboard featuring Arabic text, next to an office door labeled 010 Maura Finkelstein. Photo credit: The Muhlenberg Weekly.

    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

  • A black-and-white photo showing the backs of graduates wearing caps and gowns, sitting in rows during a graduation ceremony, with an audience blurred in the background.

    PEN America Calls on Campuses to Uphold Free Speech Surrounding Commencement Speakers

    Friday May 8
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  • A university building with a domed roof stands in the background, framed by large, leafy trees and wide, paved walkways on a sunny day.

    PEN America Urges Texas A&M to End Censorship

    Tuesday April 21
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  • Historic government building with tall columns and a central tower topped by a flag, set against a partly cloudy sky. Photo credit: Antony-22 / Wikimedia.

    Tennessee’s “Charlie Kirk Act” Poses a Threat to Campus Free Speech

    Wednesday April 15
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Our Staff

Help PEN America Defend Campus Free Speech

Animated illustration of a protest sign with changing messages against a bold red background. The text alternates between Protect, Your Right, To Read, spotlighting Banned Books Week 2024, with a PEN America logo in the corner.

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.