Civil Discourse FAQs for Faculty

[Taken from Faculty Handbook - Academic Freedom]

Michigan State University adheres to the principles of academic freedom with correlative responsibilities as stated by the American Association of University Professors, the Association of American Colleges and other organizations:

Teachers are entitled to freedom in research and in the publication of the results. Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, and should exercise discretion and professionalism when discussing political topics unrelated to the subject. 

College and university teachers are citizens, members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline. As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence, they should be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution. 

Principal elements: [Taken from Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Policy]:

For faculty members, the principal elements of academic freedom include:

1. The right, as teachers, to discuss in the classroom any material which has a significant relationship to the subject matter as defined in the approved course description;
2. The right to determine course content, grading, and classroom procedures in the courses they teach;
3. The right to conduct research and to engage in creative endeavors;
4. The right to publish or present research findings and creative works;
5. The right to engage in public service activities; and
6. The right to seek changes in institutional policy through established University procedures and by lawful and peaceful means.

In sum, academic freedom allows faculty to teach, research, and publish without fear of censorship or retribution. It protects their right to explore, discuss, and express ideas, even if those ideas are controversial or unpopular. It is essential for advancing knowledge and encouraging critical thinking.

This important principle is fundamental to the university’s core mission – to advance knowledge and transform lives through education. Given its significance in higher education, when applied in the First Amendment context, academic freedom may be provided greater protection than other workplace speech.

Academic freedom is in place for faculty/scholars to express ideas and their work without interference by the university. View the MSU policy on Academic Freedom in the Faculty Handbook.
 
MSU’s commitment to academic freedom and its principal elements are articulated in the Faculty Handbook: Faculty Rights and Responsibilities.

The Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech working group, formed through the Provost’s Office, has been established to explore how instructors’ academic freedom and free speech intersect in the classroom context. The working group aims to foster an environment conducive to academic discourse and discovery, ensuring a culture of trust, safety and mutual respect. A Learning Community will convene during 2024-25 and college communities will be invited to engage.

Both support the exchange of ideas, but have different scopes. Academic Freedom is relevant in a higher education context and protects against intellectual censorship. It pertains to teachers in higher education and has responsibilities attached to the privilege of Academic Freedom. Free speech is a fundamental right of all citizens protected by the First Amendment. It applies to all, not just within in an academic context.

Michigan State University is firmly committed to freedom of speech, not just as a public institution, but as an institution of higher education. Visit the Freedom of Speech website and view the Board of Trustees Statement on Free Speech.

Disagreement does not equate to disrespect. In a time when public dialogue can often become polarizing and hostile, we must exemplify the values of respect and empathy.
 

View frequently asked questions on Freedom of Speech.

Academic freedom allows faculty to teach the content of their course, even when the content can be controversial or political. Faculty should exercise discretion and professionalism when discussing political topics irrelevant to the course content. Consider the potential harm that can be inflicted when vocalizing a political perspective in the classroom that is not critical or central to the course topic and objectives.

The university cannot prohibit a person or group from speaking on campus because some in our community may not agree with the person or position, or even because the speech is considered offensive. But, just because the university upholds the law does not mean the university endorses or approves of the speech in any way.

Find below resources on how to handle discussions about current events in class: 

• A calming influence: Managing conflict and difficult conversations in the university classroom
• MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Environments
• Resources for difficult dialogues in the classroom
• Trauma-informed practices for the classroom

Sample language below:

Your sense of safety and security on campus is important to me as your educator, and it is fundamental to your capacity to learn. Below are some of the ways the university strives to make campus as safe as possible.

• MSU classrooms are equipped with one of two door locking mechanisms, in case of emergency. 
• MSU Green Light emergency phones are located throughout campus. 
• MSU’s mass notification system is comprehensive and includes audible alerts from Green Light phones, use of outdoor weather sirens, computer notifications, desktop phone announcements, and cell phone alerts. 

Additional steps to increase your safety on campus:  

• Ensure you are signed up to receive MSU alerts on your cell phone.
  • Download the SafeMSU App and turn on push notifications. 
  • Update your cell phone contact and list it as preferred by logging into MSU's Student Information System,  clicking “my profile” and then clicking “contact details.” 
• If you live near an MSU campus, sign up for Nixle Community Alerts for your local municipality by following the links on the MSU Alert webpage. 
• Complete MSU’s Active Violence Incident (AVI) training, available on MSU's Ability Training Platform. 

For questions related to campus safety and security, please visit the MSU DPPS Safety Tips webpage. 

The daily functions and operations of the University must continue, including teaching, which is core to our mission. When considering academic flexibility, remind students of their academic responsibilities and the importance of balancing civic engagement with their educational commitments. Faculty can support students' civic engagement while ensuring that academic standards are upheld. It’s important to maintain academic integrity while being supportive. Faculty must consistently apply their decisions across all students and requests, and must not make them dependent on the topic of the protest.

Stay calm, composed and professional. A walkout is usually a form of protest, and responding with anger or frustration can escalate the situation. Understand the students' right to protest, and avoid taking the protest personally and do not retaliate against students. If any students remain in class, briefly acknowledge the situation without escalating it. Use discretion to decide if you will resume class or end class for the day. If you decide to resume class, be mindful that some students may have experienced discomfort, trauma and/or a hostile environment. It may not be comfortable for all to continue learning. Be mindful of your class attendance policy, regardless of the reason for absence (i.e. protest/walkout). Communicate and consult with Administration (your department chair and/or Dean's office.) Inform the department head or relevant administrative office about the walkout. 

Academic and administrative units should not make institutional statements or what may be reasonably perceived by the public as an institutional statement. Instead, they should use university web pages to provide information about the unit itself, its programs, its staff and other information related to the unit. Employees may not make personal statements unrelated to university business on behalf of the university (i.e., by using a university platform, including a university listserv or university, college or department website, or by using their administrative title).

Students should be encouraged to vote as part of their civic responsibility. MSUvote is encouraging students to engage and register to vote. Voting resources can be found here.

Note that under federal and state law, MSU cannot participate in campaign activities; support or oppose candidates for office or ballot questions; or fundraise for or donate to candidates. For additional information about participation in political activities, please review the FAQs and Guidelines for Participation in Campaign Activities and Ballot Measures. 

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) supports the campus community in creating and maintaining a safe environment and a culture of respect through educating all campus community members regarding how to prevent, identify, appropriately respond to, and report discrimination, harassment, stalking, sexual assault and relationship violence.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential counseling service provided at no cost to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate assistants and their families. Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides many mental health resources to students, their families, faculty and staff. CAPS is open for in-person and virtual services Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. If you need to speak with a clinician immediately, call 517-355-8270, and press 1 to speak with a crisis counselor. Learn more at caps.msu.edu.

Harassment is defined in MSU’s Anti-Discrimination and Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policies. It is unwelcome conduct based on an individual’s protected identity (e.g., race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation/identity, religion, etc.) that, based on the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the university’s education program or activity (i.e., creates a hostile environment). 

Employees are encouraged to take the time that they need to care for themselves. Personal observance days and other options are available and should be used when needed.

MSU welcomes the opportunity to model respectful civil discourse around challenging issues. Such modelling is one of the critically important societal responsibilities of a public higher education institution. Additional resources include:

• Board of Trustees - Ordinance 15.00, Disorderly Assemblages or Conduct
• Board of Trustees - Policy 613, University Facilities-Use for Political Activities
• Faculty Handbook - Participation in Partisan Political Activities
• Faculty Handbook - Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
• Frequently Asked Questions - Freedom of Speech
• Institutional Diversity and Inclusion - MSU Dialogues
• Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development - Teaching and Learning
• Office of Student Support & Accountability - Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Student Life & Engagement - MSU Student Activism
• Office of the University Ombudsperson

University employees have a right to express their personal and professional opinions. However, there are restrictions. As an employee of the university, it is not appropriate to participate in or solicit participation of others during your work hours. Example – you may not cancel class to participate in a protest. Employees may not use university facilities and resources or speak on behalf of the university or suggest institutional endorsement. You may identify as faculty, but should not use an administrative title.

Generally, most public places are permissible. 

Camping on campus is generally prohibited, except in connection with approved university activities which require overnight occupancy or with a permit, per University Ordinance 13.00. Before a permit for camping is granted, an applicant must demonstrate that the camping activity does not pose any public health or safety risks to the participants or surrounding community and that the event promotes the overall mission of the university. Generally, this requires a close linkage to a student organization, an academic program or administrative affiliate. It shall be a violation of the ordinance to camp without a permit.

The purpose of the camping permit application is to allow individuals or groups of individuals to seek permission to partake in camping within a designated area on MSU property. A form should be submitted to the secretary and chief of staff to the Board of Trustees a minimum of eight (8) weeks prior to your event via DocuSign. Timeline details can be found here.
 

For building access inquiries, please visit East Lansing Campus Building Hours webpage.

When buildings are closed and restrooms are inaccessible, portable restrooms may be requested in advance. Under the Camping and/or Signs and Structures ordinances, groups can request setting up a portable restroom (through a permit process and subject to regulations set forth in that process). The group requesting it would have to pay for it and the university will not proactively offer it or publicize this option.

Incidents of physical harm, vandalism or danger should be reported to the police. Safety continues to be the university’s top priority. Disruption of educational activities or other Board of Trustees Ordinances should also be reported to the police. 

If you are aware of any student or employee experiencing harassing conduct based on their protected identity (e.g., race, gender, national origin) or a person having trouble participating in or benefiting from MSU’s education program or activity due to conduct based on a protected identity, report to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). OCR is the centralized office responsible for assessing any potential hostile environment on campus. Information needs to be provided to OCR so that they can assess the totality of the circumstances that may be affecting access to the educational environment. A helpful infographic is available here. If you have reasonable notice or if you observe an adverse impact to students, you must report.

From a police perspective, if violations of University Ordinance or State law are observed, these will be addressed using the appropriate level of engagement to de-escalate the situation and maintain a civil atmosphere.

The initial response is to observe and monitor. If the protest is not violent, disruptive or blocking any legally allowed access, in general, no contact will be made. The focus of an initial response is to de-escalate and keep the protest peaceful. Approaches may include verbal intervention and warnings, or in some instances, arrests of those violating ordinances and statutes if necessary to maintain the peace and sustain operations. The university seeks to ensure both safety and the right to free speech and lawful expression.

Leaders from Student Life and Engagement are prepared to visit protest sites to engage with participants to provide support for students and work towards a solution, mutual agreement and de-escalation. Dr. Genyne Royal, assistant vice president of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) is the main point of contact in SLE (royalgen@msu.edu). Dr. Allyn Shaw, assistant vice president for Student Development and Leadership and dean of Students is another point of contact in SLE (shawall@msu.edu).

Faculty may direct students to the appropriate campus resources in support of their freedom of expression. Please also see the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation at MSU - Civil Discourse for Educators in the Classroom: A Guidebook.

Participating in protests cannot interfere with daily work or disrupt the daily functions and operations of the university. For example, it is inappropriate to cancel class in support of a protest.