Freedom of Expression and Academic Inquiry Policy

Expression of Individuals and Student Organizations

Members of the College community are free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. Members of the College community should make clear that in their public expressions or demonstrations, they speak for themselves, and not necessarily for the College.

Members of the College community should recognize that there is a critical distinction between freedom of expression and freedom from responsibility. The College is committed to maintaining an environment where intellectual exploration, critical thinking, freedom of inquiry, and creative expression are valued; the College is also committed to the maintenance of an environment in which civility, mutual respect, effective communication, and accountability are integral.

Expression that in its method or content violates College policy or federal, state, or local law is prohibited. It is not permissible to interfere with College operations, activities, and/or events, including the rights and activities of other students, faculty, employees, and/or guests, or to impede an invited speaker’s ability to communicate by heckling or inappropriate outbursts or by blocking the ability of audience members to see or hear a speaker.

Postings in Common Areas of Campus

The following types of postings are permitted in common areas of campus: (1) postings by offices or departments of the College, and (2) postings by recognized student groups advertising a specific program or event. All such postings are subject to College requirements regarding approval processes and acceptable surfaces and posting methods intended to protect College property from damage.

All postings in common areas must display:

• The name and contact information of a Lewis & Clark sponsor, which can be a: (1) department; (2) office; (3) or recognized student organization.
• The date of the event being promoted or an end date for a program being sponsored by a department/office or recognized student organization. Educational materials not promoting a specific event or program but tied to a sponsoring department’s/office’s mission are permitted but must include an initial posting date.

Departments, offices, and recognized student organizations must remove their postings no more than three (3) days after the event/program has passed. All postings will be removed at the end of each semester.

Individual schools or departments may maintain bulletin boards or similar areas that are open to postings for specific or general purposes. Such school or department is responsible for maintaining such boards, including defining the purpose of such spaces, any applicable approvals or procedures, etc. Postings displayed in these spaces must comply with all College policies.

For further information on approval processes and restrictions regarding posting in specific common areas, please consult:

• Fowler Student Center – Office of Student Engagement
• Dining Areas – Bon Appétit
• Residence Halls – Office of Campus Living
• Pamplin Sports Center, Zehntbauer Swimming Pavilion – Department of Physical Education and Athletics
• College of Arts and Sciences – CAS Dean’s Office
• Graduate School of Education & Counseling – Graduate School Dean’s Office
• Law School – Law School Dean’s Office

Postings in Non-Common Areas of Campus

Postings in places that are not common areas (such as student organization offices, residence hall rooms and apartments, etc.) are permissible so long as they do not violate any other college policy or applicable law or regulation (such as prohibited harassment, obscenity, defamation, etc.) Postings displayed in these spaces must also comply with all College policies and posting procedures governing the appropriate placement of postings and acceptable posting methods.

For further information on restrictions regarding posting in specific non-common areas, please consult:

• Fowler Student Center – Office of Student Engagement
• Residence Halls and Apartments – Office of Campus Living
• College of Arts and Sciences – CAS Dean’s Office
• Graduate School of Education & Counseling – Graduate School Dean’s Office
• Law School – Law School Dean’s Office

Postings in an employee’s work area must avoid creating the impression of speaking or acting for the College and be mindful of the importance of maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for all students and coworkers. Employees with questions about appropriate workplace postings are encouraged to talk with their manager.

Online Expression

Speech conducted online is subject to the same College policies as any other speech activity. The College will apply institutional policies to community members’ online activity, as appropriate. For instance, conduct that constitutes harassment under College policies is just as impermissible when it is conducted through an online forum as it would be in other circumstances. It is expected that online activity will not violate the rights of other individuals, such as their right to privacy or their ability to participate in or benefit from a Lewis & Clark education, program or activity, and will not violate other College policies or applicable State or Federal Laws.

When posting on personal online accounts, individuals should be sure to avoid any impression that their personal opinions reflect those of Lewis & Clark College or represent the College in any way. When faculty and staff, in particular, speak or act as private persons, they must avoid creating the impression of speaking or acting for the College and may not deliberately misrepresent their position with the College or their authority to speak for the institution. Student organizations should also ensure they make clear their social media accounts, emails, and websites do not represent the College, and that their online presence adheres to the College’s guidance provided to them.

Issues of Anonymous Expression

Anonymous speech is subject to the same College policies as any other speech. Individuals found to have engaged in anonymous speech that violates this policy or other College policies or applicable laws or regulations will be held responsible for such speech. Anonymous speech may be removed by the College at any time.

Events and Demonstrations

Events and demonstrations on College property are also governed by the following policies:

• Protest and Demonstration Policy