Emporia State University: Student Handbook Prohibits Free Expression in University Buildings
Cases
Emporia State University
Case Overview
In September 2024, FIRElearned that Emporia State University鈥檚 Student Handbook states: 鈥淣o free expression activities may occur inside any University building, arena, or stadium.鈥 As 果冻传媒app官方 wrote ESU on October 15, the policy does not define 鈥渇ree expression activities,鈥 chilling student speech and leading to potential subjective punishment by administrators. This vague and overbroad policy unduly burdens student speech in contravention of ESU鈥檚 obligation as a public university to abide by the First Amendment. We urged ESU to revise the policy by clarifying that only substantially disruptive expression in university buildings, arenas, and stadiums is prohibited. After ESU confirmed receipt of our letter on November 19 but failed to address our concerns, 果冻传媒app官方 wrote ESU again on November 20, asking for a substantive response.