Freedom of Expression at Ohio State

Freedom of Expression at Ohio State

The Ohio State University is committed to supporting First Amendment rights on campus in upholding the institution’s academic motto, which is Education for Citizenship. Since the university’s founding, its land-grant mission has been to create a pathway to accessible education and a place for the exchange of ideas.

Ohio State supports the rights of its students, faculty, staff, volunteers, visitors, community partners and program participants to exercise their freedom of speech and expression under the law. Resources are available for students, faculty and staff in support of exercising freedom of speech and expression.

University Resources

Ohio Union

Consistent with the university’s teaching, research and service missions, the university has enacted numerous rules and standards regarding the usage of university spaces and these apply to students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Orton Hall at night

The Office of Academic Affairs leads the institutional effort to inform faculty and students about relevant policies and procedures and to promote frank, open and respectful discussion about the issues of freedom of thought and expression.

Oval seal

Depending on the nature of the activity, there may be one or more university policies that may apply. All university policies are available in an alphabetical list. Each policy specifically notes the group it applies to.

Student Resources

Oval aerial

As an academic institution, the university values the opportunity for students to view the political process first-hand. This protocol ensures that the university remains in compliance with federal regulations for non-profit organizations.

Mirror Lake at night

The Buckeye Event Network (BEN) helps student organizations plan events and reserve outdoor space on campus. This process is intended to help ensure that your event is a safe and successful one.

Lincoln Tower

The core missions of the university are research, teaching, learning and service. Preservation of academic freedom and the free and open exchange of ideas and opinions for all members of the university are central to these missions.

Faculty and Staff Resources

Bridge at night

To the extent that faculty and staff are considering engaging in political activity, they should consult the university’s political activity guidelines for employees.

Oval in snow

Faculty Rule 3335-5-01 defines academic freedom for faculty at The Ohio State University and explains the corresponding academic responsibilities faculty have.