Freedom of Expression at NIU: Frequently Asked Questions

Relevant Excerpt

0. I used to be able to avoid the MLK green zone when offensive and hateful speakers were present. Now these speakers can be wherever they want including in front of my residence hall, cafeteria, academic buildings, etc. Why isn’t the university working to protect me?

Our new free speech policy stresses that people should be respectful of one another and not descend into what would be termed illegal "hate speech." If that happens, the university is within its rights to take action. However, the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States does not give individuals and groups a Constitutional right not to be offended by something they hear or is said.