Special Edition: Free Speech on Campus

Free Speech on Campus

Today’s special edition of Niner Insider is all about free speech on campus. Get an overview of campus resources like DART and CRES, a comprehensive look at the relevant policies and laws, including institutional neutrality, and get to know DART leadership. We hope this will give you a foundational understanding of Charlotte’s commitment to free speech and prompt you to learn more.

• Start Here: This video will give you a quick overview of free speech at UNC Charlotte.
• FAQs: From policies on protests and controversial speakers to academic freedom, check out these frequently asked questions.
• Free Speech — What Does it Really Mean?: Kathleen Nicolaides, teaching professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology and director of the minor in legal studies in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, provides insight into the nuances of free speech and the role of higher education in fostering its expression.

what is dart?

The Demonstration Activity Resource Team — known as DART — provides guidance and policy direction for individuals and groups seeking to organize on campus. DART ensures compliance with University policies related to free speech and supports campus demonstration activities — focusing on ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Learn more about DART and its services in the explainer video below.

Meet Interim Head of DART NiCOle Lynch

In July, NiCole Lynch was named the interim head of the Demonstration Activity Resource Team. In this role, she oversees the planning, coordination and execution of all demonstration activities on campus — collaborating with various departments and student organizations to ensure events are conducted lawfully and safely.

Conferences, reservations and event services (CRES)

Do you know that a reservation is required for groups to organize publicly on campus? DART works closely with the Conferences, Reservations and Events Services team to assure those seeking to gather on campus are able to do so within the parameters of campus policy and local laws. Hear from a few members of the CRES team.

Understanding Institutional Neutrality

A North Carolina State law requires UNC System institutions to remain neutral when it comes to political controversies . As a public university, UNC Charlotte respects and adheres to state laws and mandates by the UNC System — and at the same time is committed to sustaining a campus environment that embraces different perspectives and fosters respectful dialogue while ensuring that all members of the University community are treated with respect, fairness and dignity.

UNC Charlotte: A free exprsssion leader

UNC Charlotte’s commitment to freedom of expression has received national recognition. Since the Free Expression and Constructive Dialogue Task Force was established in fall 2022, UNC Charlotte has seen a steady rise in Foundation for Individual Rights in Education College Free Speech Rankings and has received a Free Expression Award from the Heterodox Academy.

• UNC Charlotte Ranks No. 9 in U.S. for Promoting Free Expression
• UNC Charlotte Receives Free Expression Award from Heterodox Academy
• UNC Charlotte Receives High Ranking for Free Speech

helpful resources

• Familiarize yourself with UNC Charlotte’s free speech policies and procedures.
• Learn more from the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.
• Engage with the 49er Democracy Experience.

join the niner conversation on social media

There are a lot of ways to stay up-to-date and show your Niner pride. Make sure to follow Charlotte on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

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