Office of the President

Policies and Resources

Freedom of speech is a foundational value of our constitutional system in the United States, and it is at the core of Fresno State’s mission.

In support of free and open expression, Fresno State maintains policies which prevent unreasonable disruptions and obstructions, protect the legal rights and safety of all members of the campus community, ensure equitable and proper use of campus grounds and facilities, and more. Such policies along with additional campus resources are listed below.

University policies

The university is committed to free expression as essential to its educational mission. The university seeks to foster and sustain a forum for the free and orderly exchange of ideas, values and opinions, recognizing that individuals grow and learn when confronted with differing views, alternative ways of thinking, and conflicting values. Free speech is allowed and supported as long as it does not violate other laws or university policies and procedures. In order to support and achieve its educational mission, the university has an obligation to maintain an environment in which the business of the university can be conducted with minimal disruption, in accordance with the highest standards of institutional integrity, academic freedom, freedom of expression, and recognition of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of university community members and the public.

The Time, Place, and Manner Policy (“Policy”) sets forth reasonable time, place, and manner regulations regarding the use of university property to ensure that individuals and groups exercising their legitimate rights do not disrupt the educational process or other operations of the university.

Priority for the use of university property will be given to academic and administrative departments of the university. Student organizations, officially recognized through Student Involvement, are required to complete an event proposal form. Faculty, staff, students and student groups sponsored by academic or administrative departments or engaged in instructionally related activities (other than recognized student organizations) wishing to use university property, facilities or services may request the use through the campus event reservation system, 25Live. Requesters may also contact the Scheduling Office directly at 559.278.2491. Off-campus groups wishing to engage in freedom of expression activity should schedule the time and location of such an event in advance with the Scheduling Office thereby avoiding a conflict with university or student events that may already be scheduled, which take precedence, along with life and physical safety issues.

All events and activities shall be conducted in a lawful manner, consistent with (1) federal and state laws; (2) existing university policies; (3) orderly conduct of university business; (4) preservation of the campus learning environment; (5) preservation of public safety; (6) maintenance of university property; (7) the free flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic; and (8) the CSU Student Code of Conduct. Entrances, walkways and throughways to university facilities shall not be obstructed. If the activity or assembly poses an imminent danger to public safety, those involved in the activity may be required to disperse immediately. Continued violation may result in arrest, code of conduct violations for students, discipline for employees, and subsequent legal action by the university.

As a reminder, outdoor events and activities that involve amplified music or speech are limited to the hours of: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM daily for all users, with the exception of approved academic programs and intercollegiate athletics. Outdoor events and activities that do not require use of amplified sound may be held between 7:00 AM-12:00 AM (midnight) daily.

Freedom of expression activities may take place on campus with the following exceptions: Vehicular roadways (without express permission and in coordination with the University Chief of Police); parking lots; residential housing facilities; and within 30 feet of any location in which instructional, educational, residential, and/or official university business activities are being conducted. No person on university property or at university functions may block entrances to or otherwise interfere with the free flow pedestrian or vehicular traffic into and out of university buildings and facilities; interfere with or disrupt the conduct of university business; or violate any federal, state or local laws or safety codes, such as regulations set by the California State Fire Marshal or other permitting authority.

The Policy is administered by the Vice President for Administration and Finance and the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

Regulations exist to help assure that campus grounds and facilities are available in a fair and equitable manner and to encourage opportunities for the expression of diverse points of view. Such regulations are detailed in the Fresno State Policy on the Use of University Buildings and Grounds.

Campus community resources

Concern and Action Guide

If you are concerned about the behavior or wellbeing of any one in the campus community, reference this guide to understand what actions you can take to help.

Principles of Community

Our Principles of Community reflect our core values as well as our deep commitment to our mission. They exemplify what we aspire to be and how we treat each other.

Faculty resources

University’s statement on academic freedom

The primary purpose of a university is to promote the exploration of ideas and the discovery and dissemination of knowledge and understanding. The university is to be an open forum for ideas and issues to be raised, challenged, and tested.

Academic Senate's Statement on Freedom of Speech

The right to free speech is the cornerstone of freedom of thought and democratic self-governance, and public institutions must uphold free speech under the U.S. Constitution. California State University, Fresno faculty, students and staff stand for these principles because free speech is essential for academic freedom.

CSU Definition of Academic Freedom

The California State University lists its defnition of academic freedom under its academic policies. The defintion outlines both adacemic freedom and academic responsibility.

Faculty members’ rights and responsibilities

Faculty members enjoy the right to exercise academic freedom within the context of their professional responsibilities as set forth in the University Statement on Academic Freedom. Faculty members also have the reasonable expectation of a safe and secure work environment that respects individual differences and promotes an accepting climate for diverse perspectives.

Student resources

Code of Conduct

Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and contribute positively to student and university life.

Club and Organization Handbook

This handbook contains summaries of the policies, procedures, privileges and responsibilities of recognized student organizations. It should be read carefully and retained annually for reference, as it defines the conditions under which your association must operate and all policies for which it will be held accountable.