Universities like UCLA are built on the principle that the best thinking occurs when ideas can be freely developed, shared and evaluated in light of available evidence and facts. In this kind of environment, our ideas can be continually challenged and refined — a process that leads to both personal growth and to the advancement of truth. The concept of freedom of speech relies not only on the value of self-expression, but also on the importance of humility and recognizing that our own understanding is limited, that we can learn from others and that our thinking may benefit from being exposed to different viewpoints.

Aside from an institutional value, freedom of speech is also a right: As a public university, UCLA is barred by the U.S. Constitution from prohibiting speech or other forms of expression based on the content of  the speech or the viewpoint of the speaker (though the university may create rules for when, where and how people express themselves). The right to freedom of speech secured by the First Amendment is held by students, faculty and staff as well as visitors. UCLA is bound by the First Amendment even in cases in which a speaker may present offensive or hateful ideas.

Maintaining a healthy academic community requires us to consider not only our rights, but also our responsibilities. UCLA’s Principles of Community and our True Bruin Values exist to help create the conditions that enable Bruins to engage across difference while maintaining a culture of respect. They remind us of the value of compassion — and that while we can and should debate ideas, we should never attack one another’s fundamental humanity. They ask us to embrace the aim of a university education and to rely on facts, evidence and reason in our discussions and debates.

We encourage you to review the contents of this website for more information about how UCLA upholds the right to free speech on campus.