St. John's University is committed to standards promoting speech
and expression that foster the responsible exchange of ideas and
opinions which enables the pursuit of knowledge and truth. As
embodied in the University's Mission Statement,
"We commit ourselves to academic excellence and the pursuit of
wisdom which flows from free inquiry, religious values, and human
experience."
All members of the St. John's University community
which includes students, faculty, staff and administrators enjoy
the right to freedom of speech and expression that is consistent
with the University Mission and its Catholic character and
Vincentian tradition. St. John's seeks to foster an environment of
global harmony and the incorporation of diverse perspectives. As is
true with the society at large, this freedom is subject to
reasonable parameters of time, place and manner and compatibility
with the Mission of the University.
The right of free speech and expression does not include
unlawful activity or activity that endangers or threatens to
endanger the safety of any member of the University community or
any of the University's physical facilities, or any activity that
disrupts or obstructs the functions of the University or
immediately threatens such disruption or obstruction.
As stated in the University's Mission Statement,
"We embrace the Judeo-Christian ideas of respect for the rights
and dignity of every person and each individual's responsibility
for the world in which we live."
Expression that is indecent or is obscene or grossly offensive
on matters such as race, ethnicity, religion or gender is
inconsistent with accepted norms of conduct at the University.
Although St. John's University supports the responsible exchange
of discourse and the expression of ideas and opinions, the use of
the University forum shall not imply acceptance or endorsement by
the University of the views expressed. If the rights of any member
of the University have been violated and/or he/she has experienced
a direct conflict with the above stated policy, he/she may file a
grievance with the Department of Student Life on his/her
campus.
St. John's University has established the following procedures
to assist members of the University community in interpreting the
Speech and Expression policy.
Approved by the University Senate Mar.
19, 1993
Approved by the Board of Trustees, May 12, 1993