Developed in 2025–2026 by a cross-representational task force*, the Nazareth University Statement on Free Expression articulates Nazareth's commitment to free and open discourse and debate among all community members. The Statement provides an umbrella for area-specific policies related to specific freedom of expression situations.
Nazareth University is deeply committed to free and open inquiry and expression as part of its mission to foster integrated learning through both action and reflection as Nazareth educates “whole persons who are guided by empathy, committed to equity, and prepared to lead innovation in our time.” As a learning community, Nazareth brings together the liberal arts, sciences, visual and performing arts, and professional fields to provide a rigorous and purposeful education. Nazareth University unites academic work with transformative campus, local, and global experiences to prepare students for lives of meaning and purpose, grounded in intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and aesthetic values.
Because of this, everyone in the Nazareth community has the robust freedom to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. Except when limits are necessary, Nazareth fully respects and supports the freedom of all members of the Nazareth community “to discuss any problem that presents itself.” In line with this commitment, the University may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activity, as detailed in area-specific policies established by Academic Affairs, Campus Safety, Student Life, Human Resources, and other areas of the University. These regulations are deliberately crafted to be viewpoint neutral and minimally restrictive to balance individual rights with the University’s commitment to safety, inclusivity, privacy, academic integrity, and its operational needs.
Nazareth values civility, respect, and inclusive empowerment in regards to all ideas, including those ideas that community members may disagree with and that some in the community may find unwelcome, disagreeable, uncomfortable, upsetting, or offensive. Nazareth commits to fostering a vibrant, safe, and engaged campus community where diverse perspectives are welcomed and considered with care and courage. Nazareth University recognizes that speech can cause harm, depending on social and institutional power, and Nazareth strives to balance free expression with Nazareth’s values of inclusion, belonging, and human dignity. Nazareth University also recognizes that context is important. For example, restrictions related to language, tone, or volume that may be appropriate for a residence hall or classroom may be different from restrictions for a sporting event. Restrictions on language, tone, or volume should be imposed sparingly and must never be used in ways that contradict Nazareth’s strong commitment to free and open expression.
Speech or expression that is not protected by the University’s Statement on Free Expression is Unprotected Speech and is subject to being curtailed, regulated, or prohibited by University policies — including, but not limited to, complementary or ancillary policies regarding academic instruction, student life, and assembly and expressive activity — on property owned or leased by Nazareth University and at Nazareth-sponsored events or programs.
Obscene speech, fighting words, defamation, commercial speech as defined by local, state, and federal laws, and speech which violates confidentiality or privacy of individuals, are also deemed to be Unprotected Speech. Harassing and discriminatory speech is similarly unprotected and subject to University policies and to the enforcement of state, federal, and local laws.
In short, Nazareth’s belief is that expression should not be suppressed simply because some or even most members find certain ideas offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong. It is up to each individual, not the institution, to judge ideas for themselves. If they disagree, they should respond by engaging in open and vigorous expression, not by trying to silence opposing views. Developing the ability to understand opposing views and deliberate on them thoughtfully and responsibly is an essential part of Nazareth’s educational mission and its dedication to excellence in teaching and learning.
Finally, as part of Nazareth University’s commitment to free expression, everyone in the Nazareth community must also respect others’ rights to express their views. People are free to criticize and challenge opinions and speakers, but they may not block or interfere with others’ freedom to speak, even if they strongly disagree or dislike what is being said. Nazareth has a responsibility to promote lively, fearless expression and to protect this freedom whenever it is threatened, nurturing collaborative connections and preparing students for thoughtful leadership in a diverse world.
Nazareth University’s commitment to free expression is grounded in the understanding that learning is an ongoing and ever-evolving process. As Nazareth University grows through shared and personal experiences, so too will Nazareth University’s perspectives. This Statement is intended to evolve alongside Nazareth University, reflecting Nazareth’s values, guiding Nazareth’s actions, and supporting the inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment Nazareth University seeks to cultivate for everyone in the Nazareth community.
*The Task Force consisted of 18 volunteers, plus two co-chairs who were appointed by the president's office. This large Task Force ensured maximum collaboration and cross-institutional representation. The Task Force was a mix of staff, faculty, “staff-ulty,” a dean, and grad/undergrad students (including a member of Undergraduate Association board). Areas of the University and departments represented include the Arts Center; Athletics; Campus Safety; Culture, Community and Belonging; Development; Marketing and Communications; Residential Life; and Student Engagement and Leadership — as well as academic departments from the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education; College of Interprofessional Health and Human Services; and College of Visual, Performing Arts, and Design.
The Statement development process followed by the Task Force was deeply rooted in transparency, as well as collaboration among — and feedback from — multiple areas of the University.
The Statement on Free Expression provides an umbrella for area-specific policies, including:
Student Conduct Code Policy (PDF), including information regarding: discrimination, disruptive behavior, harassment, and postings.
Free expression is addressed across several areas of the Staff Employee Handbook that both protect employee rights and lawful expression and establish appropriate workplace boundaries and expectations for respectful, non-discriminatory conduct and compliance with applicable laws.
Relevant sections of the handbook include: Purpose of the Handbook, Equal Employment Opportunity / Non-Discrimination; Code of Conduct; Open Door Policy; Discrimination, Harassment & Non-Retaliation; Political Activities; Solicitation and Distribution; and Confidentiality / Privacy.
Specifically for faculty, information regarding academic freedom is provided in the Faculty Manual.