Free Speech is a Vital Part of Our Campus Community

November 7, 2023
From: University News

Dear Cal Poly Pomona community,

Cal Poly Pomona affirms the importance of free speech and expression in fostering the intellectual life of our community. We uphold an individual’s right to articulate their beliefs and to decide when and how to respond to others.

As we move forward together this academic year, there will be numerous events, activities and conversations on campus, the sentiment of which you may disagree with. CPP is committed to fostering a campus environment that values and critically engages with a diversity of viewpoints — even if some expressions are controversial or even upsetting.

This engagement may at times be uncomfortable and even painful. To create a community marked by mutual respect and dignity, we each have a responsibility to consider the potential impacts of our expression, another person’s perspective, as well as our response or nonresponse.

We want to take this opportunity to share reminders about our campus policies and guidelines regarding free speech.

1. First Amendment Rights: As a public institution of higher education, Cal Poly Pomona’s policies are guided by the First Amendment and California Constitution, which protect an individual’s right to freely speak, write and publish sentiments on all subjects, while being responsible for the abuse of this right. This means that the government, including CSU, may not restrict speech except in limited circumstances. The First Amendment protects not only speech (both written and spoken), but also expressive activities, such as kneeling for the national anthem, political cartoons, protest armbands, art, political buttons, gestures, slogans on T-shirts and other symbolic behavior.
   
   A few narrow categories of speech are not protected. These include speech that incites actual violence or harm, fighting words, true threats, defamation, obscenity/child pornography, severe harassment, false advertising and the use of public resources for partisan politics. There is no “hate speech” exception to the First Amendment and no one has a right not to be offended by speech.
   
   
2. Free Speech Guidelines on Campus: For free speech and expressive activities, Cal Poly Pomona has rules and guidelines regarding time, place, and manner (i.e., when, where, and how speech may occur). These guidelines help ensure that campus community members can safely engage in protests, rallies and other expressive events, while also ensuring that scheduled events and university operations (classes, final exams, etc.) are not materially disrupted and that the conduct/speech does not involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others.
   
   
3. Painting CPP Letters: Painting the CPP letters on Colt Hill is a form of expressive activity that is available to campus organizations and student clubs formally recognized by the university. Advance scheduling with the Office of Student Engagement, Leadership and Success (SELS) is required. SELS does not regulate the selection of colors nor the actions and opinions of the entity seeking approval, and the colors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of all students, faculty, staff or administration.
   
   
4. Flyers on Campus: SELS oversees the posting of posters, flyers, banners and signs. They must be stamped at SELS, indicating that they have met the Use of Buildings, Facilities or Grounds procedures. Please note that University Housing Services has its own posting policy.

It is our collective responsibility to foster a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of the campus community. We recognize that self-care is extremely important when engaging in difficult dialogues. If you need to speak with someone, we urge you to take advantage of the following resources.

Students can access:

• Care Center (Building 97 (Marketplace), first floor, 909-869-5071 or carecenter@cpp.edu) 
• Counseling and Psychological Services (Building 66, Room 116, 909-869-3220 or caps@cpp.edu)

Faculty and Staff members in need may seek out resources from CPP MyLifeMatters by Empathia.

Please direct questions regarding this message and campus speech and expression more broadly to the Office of Inclusive Excellence at inclusive-excel@cpp.edu.

Sincerely,

S. Terri Gomez
Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Christina Gonzales
Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Cindy Pickett
Presidential Associate for Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer