St. John Fisher University has updated its Free Expression Policy. The policy, which is enforced for all members of the campus community, protects individual’s ability to speak freely and assemble peacefully while simultaneously ensuring that such expression does not encroach on the rights of others. Matha Thornton, the Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students, informed the campus of changes made to this policy in an email on Thursday, Sept. 26. The current policy is summarized below:

Key Points

• St. John Fisher is committed to providing forums and support to further the free expression of all campus community members, even if their views are unpopular or controversial.
• Free expression includes –but is not limited to–  speaking, writing, artistic expression or conduct, postings, communications, etc.
• The Free Expression Policy works in compliance with the following additional university policies:
  • Appropriate Use and Privacy Policy for Computing & Information Technology
  • Club Handbook & Regulations
  • Employee Handbook
  • Facility Use Policy
  • Faculty Statutes
  • OIT Copyright Policy
  • Residence Hall Regulations
  • Student Code of Conduct
  • Title IX Policy
  • University Social Media Policy
  • University Brand Guidelines
• While free expression is encouraged, the university expects that all members of the campus community share a responsibility for maintaining a safe and inclusive environment and will ensure that such expression does not infringe on the safety or security of any member of the campus community.
• The following are prohibited in accordance with the updated policy:
  • Obscenities
  • Hate Speech
  • Harassment 
  • Violence
• Students, employees, or internal groups may picket or demonstrate for the purpose of supporting a cause with prior approval from the Vice President of Student Affairs and an understanding of Time, Place, and Manner restrictions.
• Any picketing,demonstrations, or assemblies during the first two weeks of any semester, culminating experience week, and during the days of commencement are prohibited.
• University employees may not, in any manner, endorse any candidate for public office or comment on specific actions, partisan issues, or lobbying efforts related to said candidates when acting as a university employee.

While the previous “Public Order Policy” was much more general, the updated policy specifically states all prohibited behavior as well as the specific guidelines which students must follow. The previous policy for students is below:

Public Order Policy (Students)

• As members of the University community, Fisher students are free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of University policy and on matters of general interest to the student body. Expression of personal beliefs and supporting causes may not disrupt or interfere with the regular and essential operation of the University. In the development of policies that will govern St. John Fisher University, the University will promote means that encourage the civil presentation and consideration of views by students, faculty, administration, alumni, parents of students, and interested friends in the Greater Rochester Area.
• If members of the University community engage in behavior, individually or collectively, that disrupts the educational process and denies others the intellectual environment that the University seeks to provide, the responsible officers of the University are charged with taking action to restore order and calm.
• Members of the University community and all persons present on University premises shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the community, infringe upon the rights of others, or prejudice the maintenance of public order.

To find specific details from the updated policy, as well as related university policies, visit https://www.sjf.edu/student-life/student-conduct/student-conduct-policies-and-definitions/.