Know Your Rights: Free Speech at Colleges and Universities

Last updated: December 22, 2025 01:10 pm

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Both the California Constitution and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution offer strong free speech protections—even for speech that is unpopular, controversial, political, or deeply offensive. These constitutional provisions prohibit officials at public colleges and universities from establishing or enforcing disciplinary rules that punish protected expression. But there are some limits. Read on or download our guide to learn more.

You can also refer to our guide to student discipline at California colleges and universities, as well as our Know Your Rights guide to Free Speech, Protests & Demonstrations.

If you need to report a violation of your free speech rights, contact our legal intake line.

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