As a community of scholars, Emory University is committed to an environment where open expression of ideas is valued, promoted, and encouraged. Recognizing that the educational process of our institution requires diverse forms of open expression – including freedom of thought, inquiry, speech, activism, and assembly – the university affirms the rights of members of the community to assemble and demonstrate peaceably within the limits of this policy. The university must simultaneously maintain the right of community members to pursue their day-to-day activities and to be protected from physical injury or property damage. The Respect for Open Expression Policy was therefore implemented in 2013 to affirm Emory’s unwavering commitment to open expression, while acknowledging the challenges and tensions these actions could create in an ever-changing community.

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Open Expression Observers Program

As a community of scholars, Emory University is committed to an environment where open expression of ideas is valued, promoted, and encouraged. Learn More

Request an observer at your event

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University Senate Committee for Open Expression

The University Senate, subject to the powers vested in the president of the university and the board of trustees, has the function and jurisdiction to review any change in existing policies or the establishment of new policies relating to matters of general university interest. Learn More

Posting Gudielines

Emory University Posting Guidelines

Emory University’s posting guidelines complement the university’s Respect for Open Expression Policy while addressing sustainability, maintenance, and safety guidelines. Note that an individual’s counter-speech may not deface or materially change the meaning of another community member’s previous expression of speech. These guidelines apply to all individuals and groups at Emory.

History

History

As outlined by the 2011 Taskforce on Dissent, Protest & Community Report, the University Senate charged a task force in October 2012 to review and rewrite the Respect for Open Expression Policy. A revised policy was presented to the University Senate in October 2013 for ratification and the policy revisions passed the Senate unanimously.