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Relevant Excerpt

As a publicly supported institution within the University of Louisiana System, McNeese State University values the publicly accessible nature of its campus and facilities and embraces the free and open exchange of ideas in the context of a diverse community of teachers and learners. The University also recognizes its responsibility to maintain focus on its primary educational objectives. As such, the University strongly encourages its students, faculty, and staff to engage in vigorous and collegial debate and discussion within the context of classroom instruction, formal and informal interactions with others, and in social interactions throughout the campus. It is not the role of McNeese to shield individuals from speech protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and Article 1, Section 7 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and other applicable laws including without limitation ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive.

Students and faculty have the freedom to discuss any topic that presents itself, as the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and Article 1, Section 7 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and other applicable laws permit and within the limits on time, place, and manner of expression that are consistent with the part and are necessary to achieve a significant institutional interest; such restrictions shall be published and provide ample alternative means of expression. However, faculty shall be prohibited from imposing their political views on students in violation of R.S. 17:3399.39.

University students and employees may freely communicate their ideas, including political views and freedom of association, through the exchange of verbal and written communications, creative processes and productions, and formal and informal gatherings on the campus at any time and must do so in a manner that does not impede customary pedestrian walkways, vehicle traffic flow, or interfere with the University’s capacity to achieve its educational mission. Spontaneous displays of free speech and expressive activities should not be disruptive to events and activities reserved through the formal reservation process.

Any person lawfully present on-campus may protest or demonstrate at McNeese. Protests and demonstrations that infringe upon the constitutional rights of others to engage in or listen to expressive activity by creating a substantial and material disruption to the functioning of the institution or to someone’s expressive activity shall not be permitted.

Public areas of campuses at McNeese are traditional public forums and are open on the same terms to any speaker.

This policy supersedes and nullifies any provision in University policies and regulations that restricts speech on campus.