POLICY TITLE: Free Speech
APPLIES TO: All students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Kentucky State University
ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY: Office of the President Office of General Counsel
APPROVED BY: Kentucky State University Board of Regents
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 8, 2025
NEXT REVIEW DATE: August 8, 2028
Kentucky State University (KSU) upholds and protects the fundamental right to freedom of expression for all members of the campus community. In accordance with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 164.348, KSU is committed to fostering an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and challenged. Free expression is essential to KSU's educational mission and the pursuit of knowledge.
KSU acknowledges that free speech, academic freedom, and intellectual diversity are vital to a thriving academic community. KSU therefore does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of political or social viewpoints, and it is committed to viewpoint neutrality in all operations and activities.
As a public institution, KSU will not restrict freedom of expression except when necessary to implement reasonable time, place, and manner regulations that are content-neutral, narrowly tailored to serve a significant KSU interest, and allow for ample alternative channels of communication.