Freedom of Expression in the Student Code of Conduct

The Statement on Expression

The Undergraduate Code of Conduct (2023 interim) includes a Statement on Expression broadly governing student life. 

Wake Forest University is committed to diversity, inclusion, and the spirit of Pro Humanitate, and it strives to provide an environment conducive to understanding, fostering, and nurturing the values of mutual respect, dignity, responsibility, and open communication. Free speech and peaceable assembly are basic requirements of a university as a center for free inquiry and the search for knowledge and insight.

The University is committed to providing all students the right to openly dissent and to speak, write, listen, challenge, protest, and learn. Though the vibrant exchange of ideas may become contentious, such interactions, as part of the University’s educational mission, can lead to changed perspectives, advanced knowledge, and informed action.

The rights afforded to students in this statement have limitations and involve a concurrent obligation on the part of students to maintain on the campus an atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits and to respect the rights of all individuals, including the right to be free of harassment or other behavior that diminishes a person’s or group’s dignity and which is prohibited under the Code of Conduct. Moreover, the exercise of these rights may not disrupt or obstruct the functions of the University or imminently threaten such disruption or obstruction.

Balance in the Community

As stated above, these rights come in the context of a responsibility to maintain a balance between freedom of expression and the orderly conduct of our shared community life.

Free speech and peaceable assembly are basic requirements of the University as a center for free inquiry and the search for knowledge and insight. These rights involve a concurrent obligation on the part of all members of the University to maintain on the campus an atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits and to respect the rights of all individuals. It is a violation of University policy for a member of the faculty, staff, or student body to prevent the orderly conduct of a University function or activity, such as lectures, meetings, interviews, ceremonies, and public events, or to block the legitimate activities of any person on the campus or in any University building or facility. Activities which exceed these guidelines, if persisted in after due warning, will subject the participants to disciplinary and, if need be, legal action. The University cannot be content merely to tolerate inquiry and discussion; it has an obligation to protect them. (Faculty Handbook, 2023, p. 36)