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Free Speech
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Free Speech at UK

Free Speech at the University of Kentucky

At the University of Kentucky, the dissemination of ideas, debate and open inquiry are essential to our mission. We work to create space for the many voices on our campus and ensure that we are fostering conversations among broad and divergent perspectives. 

As outlined in Governing Regulation I — effectively the institution’s constitution — “all members of the University community ‘must always remain free to inquire, to study and to evaluate, to gain new maturity and understanding; otherwise, our civilization will stagnate and die.’ An intellectually vibrant academic community is one that fosters civil dialogue and respectful debate, irrespective of ideology, identity, perspective or point of view.”

As a public institution, we must uphold First Amendment freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition — no matter the perspective — while ensuring safety. Some forms of expression, such as defamation, threats, incitement to lawless action and harassment are not protected by the First Amendment.

Outdoor spaces on UK’s campus are designated public forums by law but are subject to reasonable time, manner and place restrictions. Community members and students may exercise their free speech rights in public areas in a peaceful and organized manner. 

 

Demonstrations may:

Demonstrations may not:
  • Be peaceful 
  • Involve signage and flags that are not attached to a stick, pole or other object
  • Involve marching and chanting 
  • Distribute hand-outs and flyers 
  • Express viewpoints, opinions and beliefs 
  • Exist in appropriate areas and between the hours of 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Take place in public outdoor areas, subject to time, manner and place restrictions (see FAQ)
  • Take place in indoor areas with prior reservation and approval

 

 

 

 
  • Interfere with or disrupt university operations, such as classes, meetings and events 
  • Block building entrances, building exits, sidewalks or roadways
  • Take place in certain outdoor areas without prior reservation. View a list of locations requiring a reservation here
  • Include threats, violence or incite unlawful activity 
  • Involve weapons or other prohibited items including poles and sticks
  • Use tables, displays, images or amplified sound except in designated outdoor areas with prior reservation
  • Involve tents, camping or use amplified sound without prior approval
  • Involve littering or vandalization

  • Drown out the words of others through counterprotest

     

 

 

More information on regulations governing the time, place and manner of meetings, demonstrations and other assemblies is available here. Additionally, the UK Office of University Events can answer questions and provide support in coordinating events and reserving space.  

We ask that all campus community members express themselves with civility and respect for others. We are committed to maintaining a safe campus for all — one where everyone’s rights are protected. 

 

Frequently asked questions

What speech is protected by the First Amendment?

The First Amendment protects the freedom of religion, press, assembly, the right to petition the government and nearly all forms of speech. This includes demonstrations, rallies, vigils, marches and distributing printed materials. 

The First Amendment, while it certainly protects speech that is widely accepted and celebrated, also protects speech that could be considered offensive and unpopular. 

What is UK’s stance on freedom of expression and free speech?

It is not the place of public universities to censor the speech of people on campus or to favor one idea over another.  

The university's role is to maintain a safe and neutral environment for learning, discovery and debate.  

What is not protected by the First Amendment? What crosses the line of unprotected speech?

Not all speech is protected by the First Amendment. Speech on our campus cannot incite violence or unlawful activity. Any expression that constitutes a threat, harassment or defamation is also not protected. 

Why is hate speech protected?

Hate speech is often described as any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate or incite hatred against a group or class of persons. 

Unlike many other countries that ban hate speech, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly said that hate speech is constitutionally protected. 

However, any expression that constitutes a threat, harassment or defamation, or incites unlawful activity is not protected under the First Amendment. Additionally, UK prohibits discrimination between members of the university community through its Administrative Regulations. Students and employees can report discrimination and harassment to the UK Office of Equal Opportunity. Threats and unlawful activity should be reported to UK Police. 

But doesn’t the university say it is a safe and welcoming campus?

Yes. A welcoming campus is one where every member of our community has the same right to speak, question, listen and disagree. We are committed both to protecting free expression and to maintaining an environment free from threats, harassment and discrimination. Together, these commitments allow people with different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints to participate fully in university life.

How do I reserve a space for a demonstration at UK?

While outdoor spaces are generally designated public forums, certain outdoor locations require reservations. All indoor spaces also require reservations.  

As always, registered and sponsored student organizations, faculty and staff and official alumni groups may reserve university space and facilities and may invite external groups and individuals as speakers, co-hosts or attendees.  

These groups can reserve space via meetatbigblue.uky.edu and receive additional resources by reaching out to University Events. 

Why are there police officers at a demonstration on campus?

When university officials become aware of a demonstration or protest, the UK Police Department will arrive on-site to ensure the demonstration can continue safely and peacefully. If you have questions or concerns related to safety during an event or demonstration, reach out to a UKPD officer on site. 

Who can I talk to if I have a concern about freedom of expression and/or free speech at UK?

Students may reach out to the Dean of Students Office: 859-257-3754, deanofstudents@uky.edu.  

Employees and community members may reach out to freespeech@uky.edu. 

How do you ensure the safety of our campus community members during demonstrations and protests?

Our top priority is the safety of our campus community. During demonstrations, our Office for Student Success and University Events work very closely with the UK Police Department to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff. 

What is the university’s tent policy?

Administrative Regulation — Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech stipulates that expressive activities may not involve the erection of structures including tents without prior approval. More information on temporary structures in the context of other situations can be found here.

Additionally, as stipulated by AR — Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech, camping is prohibited except at locations and at times designated by the Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration. Individuals who engage in camping may be charged under Kentucky’s unlawful camping statute, which went into effect July 2024. 

Why does the university allow speakers with polarizing views to speak at UK?

Throughout the year, many guest speakers come to speak on campus. It is important to note that only the president or their designee speaks on behalf of the university and any other speakers do not represent the views of the institution. Those speakers, often invited by student or faculty groups — not the university itself — are afforded the same free speech rights as others on our campus so long as they follow UK policies. 

Can I distribute written material on campus?

Yes, members of the student body, faculty and/or staff may distribute written material on behalf of a registered student organization, a college or a department. Announcements, statements or other non-commercial materials can be distributed at any outdoor area on campus. More information around written and distributed signs and material can be found on the Auxiliary Services website.

Do the policies around freedom of expression restrict activity in certain areas of campus?

The university does impose Time, Place and Manner restrictions on demonstrations that take place on campus. You can find more information in Administrative Regulation — Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech.

What are Time, Place and Manner restrictions?

While we must uphold the right to free speech, the university is entitled to impose restrictions based on time, place and manner to ensure that our mission and core functions are not disrupted. You can find more information in Administrative Regulation — Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech.

How does the First Amendment right to free speech apply to speakers and speech who may be considered unfavorable by certain groups?

Throughout the year, many guest speakers come to speak on campus with a variety of views.  

All speakers, often invited by student or faculty groups, are afforded the same free speech rights as others on our campus so long as they follow UK policies. While their content may be unfavorable to certain groups in our community, it is important to note that only the president or his designee speaks on behalf of the university and any other speakers do not represent the views of the institution. 

Can people who oppose a speaker’s message use their own freedom of speech to drown out the speaker’s words?

No, freedom of speech does not give someone the right to drown out the words and speech of others or disrupt events.  

Important Information
Phone 859 257-9000
Emergencies 911 / #UKPD(#8573)
UKPD Dispatch 859 257-1616
Environmental Health & Safety 859 257-1376
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