ARTICLE VI. FREEDOM OF INQUIRY AND EXPRESSION

1. Campus Expression
   Students enjoy freedom of speech and expression on campus and at University – sponsored off campus events or activities. Civil discourse, characterized by mutual respect for individuals and for opposing viewpoints, is an inherent responsibility of all members of the University community.
   Free speech and expression does not include illegal activity or activity that endangers or threatens to endanger the safety of any member of the community, or any of the University’s physical facilities, or any activity that disrupts or impedes the functions of the University or threatens such disruption or hindrance.
   Offensive expression on matters including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation is inappropriate in the BVU community and will be treated as harassment.
2. Classroom Expression
   Students enjoy freedom of speech and research, of legitimate classroom discussion, and of advocacy of alternative opinions to those expressed in the classroom. Students will be evaluated on knowledge and academic performance and not on the basis of personal or political beliefs.
3. Public Speakers
   Students may invite and hear speakers of their choice on subjects of their choice, subject to the limitation that the University may withhold approval of an event or a speaker if holding such an event or providing a forum for the speaker is determined to be contrary to the mission of the University.
4. Campus Publications and Communications
   The student press, television and radio station enjoy reasonable editorial freedom. This freedom carries with it the obligation to operate responsibly according to journalistic and broadcast ethics, consistent with the University’s mission and any applicable legal regulations. Student editors and managers will not be suspended because of student, faculty, administration, alumni or community disapproval of reasonable editorial policy or content.
5. Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals.  As members of the academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained search for truth. Freedom for the individual is defined as the right to act or speak, so long as it does not adversely affect the rights of others. Believing in this concept, Buena Vista University will protect freedom of action and freedom of speech for students, so long as it is not of an inflammatory or demeaning nature, is truthful and accurate and does not interfere with the students’ living and learning environment. It shall constitute a disruptive act for any member of the campus community to engage in any conduct which would substantially obstruct, interfere with or impair instructions, research, administration, authorized use of University facilities, the rights and privileges of other members of the BVU community, or student conduct proceedings.

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