Dear App State Community:
Please read below for an annual update regarding free speech and expression at App State.
Each UNC constituent institution has identified individuals tasked with ensuring compliance with the law and UNC policy regarding free speech and expression on campus, and for answering any questions or concerns from students, faculty, staff or others related to campus free speech or free expression. As App State's identified Free Speech Responsible Officers, we work closely with units across campus to meet the needs of our faculty, staff and students.
You can find more information about this as well as a statement regarding the UNC System’s commitment to free speech and free expression here. App State’s free speech and expression website is available here.
App State is committed to maintaining an environment in which freedom of speech is affirmed, maintained and celebrated, whether in person or in virtual spaces. As we embrace and strive to uphold the freedoms of speech and expression as guaranteed by the United States and North Carolina Constitutions, we also seek to create an environment that is welcoming to all members of our community.
Throughout each academic year, numerous university departments and organizations in the App State Community enhance dialogue on freedom of speech and resultant issues and outcomes. These take the form of classroom discussions and dialogue, programs, and events, including the annual celebration of Constitution Day. During these events, we honor, celebrate and acknowledge our constitution, and engage in activities that cover First Amendment topics.
In addition, we would like to call your attention to some of the resources available year-round to assist faculty, staff and students. As you plan events, we hope these are helpful to you.
Key policies include:
- 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 fostering of free expression.
- App State’s Facility Use Policy, which outlines processes specific to our university related to freedom of speech.
Other resources available to students, faculty and staff include:
- Academic Affairs
- Office of Access & Equity (Equal Opportunity)
- Board of Trustees Resolution on the Affirmation of Freedom of Speech at Appalachian State University
- Office of the Dean of Students
- Office of Diversity
- Intercultural Student Affairs
- University Ombuds Office
- App State Police Department
Key upcoming events:
The Office of Diversity, Division of Student Affairs and Department of Government and Justice Studies invite the App State community to attend two events on Constitution Day, Sept. 18.
- At 12 noon, members of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and other local leaders will meet on the front steps of Plemmons Student Union for the reading of the U.S. Constitution.
- At 6:30 p.m. there will be a panel discussion called “Our Constitution and the Call for Public Service” featuring several alumni and local leaders in public service positions in room 201 (Blue Ridge Ballroom) in the Plemmons Student Union.
We encourage you to contact us if you have questions and/or feedback about how to develop and encourage discussions in and out of the classroom, or if you have concerns or are facing challenges regarding your right to freedom of expression. Our email addresses are below.
Sincerely,
Jamie Parson, J.D., Chief Diversity Officer
diversity@appstate.edu
Jeff Cathey, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
studentaffairs@appstate.edu
Free Speech Responsible Officers
Appalachian State University