University Statement on Freedom of Speech and Social Media
NIU’s Freedom of Expression Policy and Statement reflect the university’s values, our role and our expectations for ensuring that our university community has the broad latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn. Whether shared in person, on a poster or online, freedom of expression is everyone’s right and warrants great responsibility, especially as messages can instantly spread locally and even globally. NIU encourages exercising that right in a civil and respectful way and the understanding that hateful speech designed primarily to inflict damage or harm upon members of our shared community goes against NIU’s values and could cause a tear at the fabric of our community.
As it relates to social media:
- NIU asks all students, faculty and staff to thoughtfully consider and understand that personal speech and expression made by individuals to/on university-related social media channels, forums and handles/hashtags does not imply acceptance or endorsement by the university of the views expressed.
- NIU does not agree with, support or condone speech intended to damage, harm, threaten, harass and/or bully others in any form, whether anonymous or identified.
- NIU acknowledges that personal speech and expression of views might sometimes be offensive to others who receive or see it, whether intentional or not. It is important to remember that the law protects unpopular or controversial viewpoints, unless the speech/expression incites violence, defames another, presents a true threat, illegally harasses, or otherwise violates the law. We encourage all to make good choices and let civility, collegiality, diversity and inclusiveness serve as guideposts for meaningful social exchanges.
- NIU reserves the right to take appropriate action against any individual who engages in unlawful speech or conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, the student conduct process, applicable personnel processes, barring visitors from places/spaces, blocking individuals from access to university social media, reporting content to social channels/platforms for action, as well as referring individuals to external agencies for possible prosecution or enforcement.