Policies & Procedures
What is BU’s policy on free speech?
Boston University has a responsibility to allow and safeguard the airing of the full spectrum of opinions and to create an environment where ideas can be freely expressed and challenged. Yet, freedom of speech and expression are not without limits. Please read our Statement on Free Speech and Expression.
Is all “hate” speech protected?
Consistent with the First Amendment, our Statement on Free Speech and Expression makes no general exception for offensive, repugnant, or hateful expression—what some may term “hate” speech.
But the University neither welcomes nor encourages speech meant to denigrate or offend. It condemns efforts through slogans, symbols, or other forms of expression to sow hatred, discord, and fear in members of our community. It absolutely prohibits violence, threats, taunts, intimidation directed at individuals, or speech that rises to the level of discriminatory harassment. Statements or symbols that call for something as abhorrent as genocide are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The University will respond promptly to allegations of such behavior.
Why are some protests not allowed? Isn’t free speech always protected?
As noted previously, freedom of speech and expression are not without limits. University policies regarding the time, place, and manner of speech and of expression ensure that the University can carry on its ordinary activities. The University may also restrict speech or expression that breaks the law, violates University policies or codes of conduct, or is otherwise directly incompatible with the safety of the community or the functioning of the University. For more information, please see BU’s Events and Demonstrations Policy page.
My group would like to hold a demonstration. Do we need approval or a permit?
As the Statement on Free Speech and Expression makes clear, providing opportunities for members of the University community to express themselves, including to dissent, to rally, to gather in vigil, to walk out, or to otherwise express themselves peaceably, is crucial to the educational mission of the University. Please visit BU’s Events and Demonstrations Policy page for guidelines and detailed information.
If I’m arrested at a protest, what might be the consequences?
You will likely be arraigned at a district court in Boston and prosecution will be handled by the Suffolk County District Attorney. In addition, Boston University’s Dean of Students office is responsible for enforcing the University’s Code of Student Responsibilities and will take any necessary disciplinary action for code violations. Sanctions may be as severe as suspension or expulsion, depending on the incident. Students who are arrested will be subject to the legal system separately from the University’s Judicial Affairs process.
How is the decision made to involve Boston Police rather than BUPD?
Generally, where the crime/incident has taken place determines who responds. The Boston University Police Department has full police powers and jurisdiction on property owned and operated by the University in Boston. BUPD works cooperatively with area law enforcement agencies. However, Boston Police, Massachusetts State Police, Brookline Police, and Transit Police also patrol campus and will be the lead agency for matters involving state or municipal property or their areas of responsibility, or they may provide assistance requested by BUPD or any other agency.
What is the disciplinary procedure for violating University policies or code of conduct?
Boston University’s Dean of Students office is responsible for enforcing the University’s Code of Student Responsibilities. Sanctions may be as severe as suspension or expulsion, depending on the incident.
Does BU release the names of students who are involved in disciplinary violations?
The University does not release information pertaining to students involved in the disciplinary process. Disciplinary records are only released when authorized by a student. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s education records. In compliance with FERPA, Boston University does not disclose personally identifiable information contained in student education records, except as authorized by law. When BUPD arrests an adult, their name, address, and charges in connection with the arrest are available on the daily public log. BUPD typically does not indicate whether the person arrested is a student.
What are the rules regarding the use of BU’s web domain and digital resources for purposes that might violate University policies?
Boston University’s computing services are to be used to fulfill the education and research missions of the University and support University operations. All clients of these services have the responsibility to use them in an ethical and legal manner, to ensure that they remain available without interruption to all. Please see our Acceptable Use of Computing Services Policy for guidelines about proper use.
Can BU’s logo or branding be used in connection with political messages and/or groups?
Students are not permitted to use official logos unless they have permission from a supporting faculty or staff member. They may create unique logos to represent their respective groups, provided they do not use specific BU brand elements in their logos as set forth in guidance on the Student Group Collateral page of the BU Brand website.
What are the rules about distributing or posting flyers on campus?
Posting is only permitted on authorized bulletin boards. Approval should be sought by the appropriate department before posting. Student organizations should consult the Student Activities Office.
Various locations on campus have been designated for distribution of club cards, leaflets, handbills, circulars (other than those for a commercial purpose), and newspapers, such as the basement of the George Sherman Union and certain lounges of the schools and colleges.
The distribution of materials cannot take place in an academic class or at a program or activity of the University (such as a concert or basketball game) unless the faculty member or organizer of the program or activity approves in advance. Distribution may take place in the public areas outside of such activities.
Materials may not be placed on walls, doors, windows, or trees, and may not be attached with permanent adhesives. See the Dean of Students Publications Policy page for more details.
Because of the special environment of the residences, specific policies exist regarding soliciting and distribution of literature in the residences. Visit the Dean of Students Residences Policies page for more information or visit your hall/area residence office.
How will BU preserve academic freedom in times of significant tension and conflict?
Boston University is committed to the academic freedom of its faculty as articulated in the Faculty Handbook and to preparing students to engage thoughtfully, openly, and effectively in disagreement and debate.
As President Ad Interim Ken Freeman wrote in his October 10, 2023, letter to the community about the conflict in the Middle East: “As a university community, it is important that we sustain our commitment to maintaining a campus environment in which discourse is civil and deep differences are respected. We expect our community to always engage with each other with dignity and respect.”
Are there faculty guidelines for addressing controversial topics in the classroom, such as the violence in the Middle East?
As noted in BU’s statement on academic freedom in the Faculty Handbook, commitment to accuracy and integrity is essential to academic freedom. Controversy is a normal aspect of free academic inquiry and teaching, and it is proper to incorporate both the knowledge and beliefs of the faculty member into that which is taught; however, the freedom to teach must be joined by a constant effort to distinguish between knowledge and belief.
The statement goes on to note that faculty members should be at all times accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that the faculty member is not speaking for the institution. Students have the right to learn in an atmosphere of unfettered free inquiry and exposition.
Where can students turn if they believe a professor is marginalizing students or inappropriately emphasizing one particular political or social point of view?
Students who feel BU’s policies have been violated can report to the Dean of Students office or the dean of their school or college. While it is generally helpful if the concerned student is available for further discussion, a student who wishes to report anonymously may also file a report through EthicsPoint. Undergraduate students with concerns about grading may consult the BU Grade Grievance Policy.