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Freedom of Speech

In responding to campus climate concerns, UT will not violate the First Amendment rights of students, faculty, or staff.

Even when an incident, disciplinary or corrective action may not be taken toward the offender if it is determined that the act of bias was a protected exercise of their freedom of expression.

As a result, in many situations, the Campus Climate Impact Committee’s response to a campus climate concern will take the form of supporting the students adversely affected by the incident.

The team will refer services such as counseling, health services, or other resources as needed to address safety concerns and to provide assistance and comfort to those impacted.

More information is available at freespeech.utk.edu ยป