As App State’s designated Free Speech Responsible Officers, we work closely with units across campus to maintain legal compliance, support freedom of expression and answer questions from students, faculty and staff.
About Free Speech and Expression at App State
App State is committed to affirming freedom of speech in both physical and virtual spaces. As a public institution, our campus contains open forums where constitutionally protected speech occurs; as such, views expressed on campus may not always align with institutional values. We strive to maintain a welcoming community through open dialogue, balanced programming and robust support systems.
Throughout each academic year, university departments and organizations foster campus dialogue on free speech and related issues. This takes shape through classroom discussions, special programming, and campus events, including our annual celebration of Constitution Day — where we honor the U.S. Constitution and explore First Amendment topics.
Learn more
- Watch the introductory video and explore resources on App State’s Free Speech and Expression website.
- Review the UNC System’s Campus Free Speech and Free Expression page.
Upcoming events
Reading of the Constitution is Monday, Sept. 14
The Division of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and the Department of Government and Justice Studies invite the App State community to attend an observance of Constitution Day on Monday, Sept. 14, at noon, in the Solarium of Plemmons Student Union.
Campus and community members will participate in our annual reading of the U.S. Constitution and encourage dialogue around its history and its meaning in today’s world.
Common Ground: Mid-Term Strategy and Dialogue Across Difference is Tuesday, Sept. 15
Join Student Affairs and App State’s Civic Literacy Initiative on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, for an evening with prominent political strategists, Paul Shumaker and Morgan Jackson. They will share the stage to discuss the upcoming midterm election, practical insights for how to work across party lines and the power of dialoguing across differences.
Key policies
- UNC Policy 1300.8, which addresses free speech and free expression in the University of North Carolina system.
- UNC Policy 300.5.1, which mitigates the risk of compelled speech that undermines intellectual freedom and fosters free expression.
- App State’s Equality Within the University of North Carolina page that includes guidance and updates related to UNC Policy 300.8.5, which requires full compliance with the commitment to institutional neutrality and nondiscrimination required by law and this policy.
- App State’s Facility Use Policy, which outlines processes specific to our university related to freedom of speech.
Campus resources
- Board of Trustees Resolution on the Affirmation of Freedom of Speech at Appalachian State University (PDF)
- Division of Academic Affairs
- Office of Access and Opportunity: Equal Opportunity
- Office of the Dean of Students
- University Ombuds Office
- Appalachian Police Department
We encourage you to contact us directly if you have questions about facilitating discussions in the classroom or concerns regarding freedom of expression.
Sincerely,
Jamie Parson, Senior Vice Provost for App State Hickory
andersonja2@appstate.edu
Jeff Cathey, Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs
studentaffairs@appstate.edu
Free Speech Responsible Officers, Appalachian State University