In support of free expression at Maryland

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Universities are places where we come to learn — from our instructors, from our experiences and from one another. Learning does not happen only when we agree. Some of our most meaningful learning comes from encountering ideas that challenge our assumptions, asking difficult questions and considering perspectives different from our own. 

At the University of Maryland, that belief is central to our mission. Open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas are essential to who we are as a university community. As a new semester begins on our campus, we are providing resources and information to help us all uphold these principles. 

Our Commitment to Free Expression

We are committed to fostering an environment where students, faculty and staff can learn, teach, research and express themselves. This includes protecting lawful expression and academic freedom. This commitment extends to voices we may disagree with. Protecting free expression means protecting it for everyone, not just those who share our perspective. 

None of this comes at the expense of safety. Free expression and campus safety are not competing priorities, and it is our responsibility to protect both. University representatives work with students, faculty, staff and external groups to provide event guidance for compliance with university policies and law.  

Expressive Activity

Designated expressive spaces on campus, like McKeldin Mall and Hornbake Plaza, can be reserved, in accordance with our policies and procedures, by internal or external groups whose messages may not always align with our university values. As a public institution, we do not discriminate on the basis of content or viewpoint and must allow such groups to be heard as well. So long as consistent with university policies and procedures, expressive activity taking place in these designated spaces may include public speaking, leafleting, posting, demonstrations, rallies, picketing, vigils, parades, marches and other similar activities.

While UMD is open to free speech and expression of diverse viewpoints, University policy does not allow for individuals to obstruct, disrupt, interrupt, or attempt to force the cancellation of any program, event, lecture, or seminar hosted by the university or those authorized to use our spaces - whether intentional or unintentional. In order to support our mission and create an environment conducive to teaching and learning, no one is permitted to disrupt campus operations or our ability to move about, or to engage in unlawfully harassing, physically abusive, threatening, or lewd or obscene conduct toward any person. In the state of Maryland, disruptive activities and behavior may also be subject to criminal charges. 

This policy applies to all members of the University community (students, faculty, and staff) and other individuals or parties who utilize University facilities and outdoor spaces, any violation of which may subject the applicable individuals or parties to disciplinary action or other sanctions. 

Online Resources

We encourage students, faculty and staff to visit freespeech.umd.edu to review our Statement on Free Speech Values and find guidance on protected and unprotected speech, academic freedom, civility and respect. The site also provides resources for reporting threatening or intimidating conduct, bias, discrimination or harassment.

University officials work closely with event organizers and the University of Maryland Police Department to assess safety concerns, plan for expressive activities and respond when conduct violates university policy or applicable law.

Creating a campus where people can participate fully and safely also means knowing how to recognize and prevent harmful conduct. The university’s Hazing Prevention at Maryland website provides information about hazing prevention, university policies and resources available to our community.

Building a Community of Respect

Our principles are only meaningful when we put them into practice. We each have a role in maintaining a campus where people can pursue their education and work, participate in university life and express themselves freely and safely. 

We are grateful for the care you show one another and for the many ways you contribute to our vibrant, safe and respectful campus community.


Sincerely,