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Student Involvement
Texas State Student Involvement First Amendment at Texas State University

First Amendment at Texas State University

students walking in the quad area on campus near the stallions

 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Source: First Amendment Annotated, United States Constitution

Texas State University is a public institution and supports the free exchange of ideas which includes freedom of speech, freedom of inquiry, and freedom of dissent. Texas State respects the right of individuals to express their social and political views through all forms of legally protected speech, press, and assembly. Texas State upholds the First Amendment to the United States’ Constitution.

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  • The legal definition of freedom of speech is the right to express information, ideas and opinions free of government restrictions based on content and subject only to reasonable limitations.

    More Information here.

  • Types of speech that are given less or no protection by the First Amendment (and can then potentially be restricted) include fraud, obscenity, child pornography, speech that incites illegal conduct, true threats, and commercial speech (advertising).

    Individuals or groups may not engage in the following:

    • Unreasonably infringing on others' rights to free expression
    • Threaten or cause injury to others
    • Violate the law or University policy
    • Enter a restricted area without authorization

  • Texas State University's outdoor common areas are traditional public forums and as such are subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. Expressive activity, demonstrations, and protests may take place in any of the outdoor common areas.

    Bobcat Trail Map

    Quad Map (includes the Stallions)

    LBJ Mall Map

    Certain locations on campus are not public forums and are not available for expressive activity. These include:

    • Inside university facilities
    • Classrooms or meetings spaces where classes or other activities are being held
    • Private offices
    • Health services facilities

  • If you have questions or concerns about freedom of speech or a particular free speech event, please contact Student Involvement @ LBJSC or the Dean of Students .

     

    Texas State University's Counseling Center is also an available resource.

  • Solicitation, as defined by UPPS No 07.04.03, is the distribution of literature to promote a commercial message. Commercial advertising is a type of speech that is given less or no protection.

  • Texas State University has created the Demonstrations on University Property policy which affirms the university's commitment to freedom of speech. It also sets the parameters related to the engagement of free expression and demonstration on university property.

    Additionally, we encourage all who engage in free speech and/or expressive activity on campus to submit Student Involvement's  Information Space Request or Special Event Request form. Though not required, it provides an opportunity to engage in dialogue and provide education regarding engaging in activities on campus. 

    To speak with Student Involvement regarding expressive activity or free speech, please contact us at 512-245-3219.

Resources

Safety Concerns?

For  immediate concerns, please contact UPD at 512.245.2805