Dear App State Community:
We would like to provide you with an 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.
Appalachian State University 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.
The Offices of Diversity and Student Affairs will be offering Free Speech Discussion sessions starting this afternoon. In these sessions, we will discuss the difference between protected and non-protected speech as well as create a space for conversation about how these different forms of speech impact our campus community.
- Oct. 17, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Three Top Mountain, Plemmons Student Union
- Oct. 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Three Top Mountain, Plemmons Student Union
- Oct. 31, 3-4 p.m., Three Top Mountain, Plemmons Student Union
- Nov. 1, 3-4 p.m., Three Top Mountain, Plemmons Student Union
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.
- 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
- American Association of University Professors - App State Chapter
- Department of Communication
- Office of the Dean of Students
- Office of Diversity
- Department of Government and Justice Studies
- Intercultural Student Affairs
- University Ombuds Office
- University Police Department
- Office of Title IX Compliance
- Wellness & Prevention Services
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