Expression and engagement on campus
Wayne State University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive learning environment where everyone brings a unique perspective that enriches our collective experience. We value collaboration, diversity and inclusion as we seek solutions to challenges that are not simple or straightforward. No matter our differences or disagreements, we share a commitment to our university.
We encourage everyone to get involved with campus organizations and the broader community in Detroit, take advantage of opportunities across campus, and contribute to our vibrant community by sharing ideas and respecting the diverse perspectives of others. Together, we can create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Expression on campus
Universities are places of dialogue, where ideas and knowledge are tested by reason and critical thinking. Wayne State University has a proud history of supporting freedom of speech, the free exercise of religion and the right to protest peacefully while ensuring that the perspectives of all our students, faculty, staff and community can be shared.
Freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
As a public institution, Wayne State welcomes individuals to express their ideas — however disagreeable these ideas may be — as long as the individual acts lawfully, does not infringe upon the rights of others, follows university policy, and refrains from substantially disrupting university operations or our academic mission. Wayne State cannot prohibit individuals from coming to campus and expressing their views, though the university can and does require the individual to follow university policy while holding an event. WSU is committed to protecting physical safety during all events and fulfilling our obligation to create a space for disagreement among our diverse community members — one of the hallmarks of higher education. University policies and procedures are applied in a content-neutral manner.
Read more about speech and expression on campus.
Read more about WSU faculty and staff and political campaigning.
Conduct not protected as free speech
Minor interruptions to meetings, events and other campus gatherings are a part of life at a university. Expressions of differing views and opinions are an expected and necessary part of a vibrant academic community.
In contrast, conduct that violates the law; infringes upon the rights of others; substantially disrupts normal university operations; or threatens health, physical safety, and/or welfare of others is not protected speech. Some examples of such conduct include but are not limited to: substantial or prolonged disruption of university events, meetings, or classes; intentionally blocking ingress and egress to rooms or buildings; trespassing; using or taking university or third-party property without permission; or acting in a dangerous or reckless manner.
University actions in response to impermissible conduct
When conduct violates the law; infringes upon the rights of others; substantially disrupts normal university operations; or threatens health, physical safety, and/or welfare, appropriate university representatives will take action. When possible, a request will be made to cease such conduct. If circumstances allow, this request will be restated more than once.
Persons engaging in substantially disruptive, threatening, prohibited or illegal conduct are expected to cease and desist such conduct immediately when requested to do so by an appropriate university representative. The failure to comply with such a request may result in university actions, including and not limited to removal from a program, facility or activity, and/or civil or criminal enforcement (e.g., arrest) if the conduct violates the law. These responsive actions are applied in a content-neutral manner.
Students engaging in such conduct may also be subject to discipline under Wayne State University’s Student Code of Conduct, as appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the university. University employees engaging in such conduct may be subject to discipline as appropriate, up to and including termination of employment.
The Wayne State University Police Department has the authority and the responsibility to take necessary actions to restore normal operations. Their actions may include and are not limited to: making additional requests to end the substantially disruptive, threatening, prohibited, or illegal conduct; removal of individuals from the location; and initiating civil and/or criminal enforcement if laws are being violated (e.g., arrests).
Speak out: reporting concerns
Wayne State University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive learning environment. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Wayne State must respond to conduct that is determined to create a hostile environment. May 2024 guidance from U.S. Department of Education clarifies that, “The fact that harassment may involve conduct that includes speech in a public setting or speech that is also motivated by political or religious beliefs, however, does not relieve a school of its obligation to respond under Title VI....if the harassment creates a hostile environment in school for a student or students.” The university has formal processes for reviewing and, if needed, addressing complaints through the reporting processes below.
Reporting discrimination or harassment
Diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone value of Wayne State University. Our campus community is one where pluralism is welcome and celebrated. We encourage you to report any incidents of bias, discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, height, weight, marital status or disability to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Reporting sexual misconduct
Wayne State University is committed to maintaining a safe living, learning and working environment for our campus community. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. Anyone who experiences sexual misconduct is encouraged to report the incident to law enforcement or the university's Title IX coordinator by submitting an online report, calling 313-577-9999 or emailing TitleIX@wayne.edu.
Reporting access barriers
Wayne State University strives to ensure that campus facilities are accessible and barrier-free. If you encounter inoperable doors or elevators, blocked pathways, or any other accessibility problem, report the barrier by completing this form. You may also report the problem to the ADA coordinator at ADACoordinator@wayne.edu or by calling the Office of Equal Opportunity at 313-577-2280.
Reporting to Wayne State Police Department
Wayne State police are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 313-577-2222. As a member of the Wayne State community, you are automatically signed up to receive Wayne State Alerts, which will notify you of important closures, emergencies and other incidents impacting campus. Anyone outside of Wayne State (including parents) can sign up for alerts by texting WAYNESTATEALERT to 77295.
Student rights and responsibilities
Wayne State University students are responsible for devoting themselves to the serious pursuit of learning while respecting the rights and opinions of others, including faculty, university leadership and their fellow students. Students should expect the highest degree of excellence and support possible within the university's resources. Students also have the right to protection from unreasonable or capricious actions by faculty, staff and student organizations.
In turn, students also have the responsibility to ensure that their actions in and out of the classroom comports with Wayne State’s longstanding Student Code of Conduct. Our code of conduct helps foster a campus environment of respect and excellence by:
- Establishing the expectation that students are accountable for their conduct
- Describing acceptable student conduct, both academic and non-academic
- Describing disciplinary policies and procedures
- Specifying the rights of students and other parties
- Specifying prohibited conduct and sanctions to be imposed if such conduct occurs
Read more about student rights and responsibilities, the Student Code of Conduct and frequently asked questions about the code on the Dean of Students Office website.
University policies and procedures
Wayne State University is a large, complex community of thousands of individuals who learn, live and work together. To help ensure our daily operations run smoothly, university actions are governed by a collection of policies based on our mission, values and laws. Below, you will find information on Wayne State University policies and guidelines for use of campus space.
Campus space use
Wayne State’s campus features many unique locations for gatherings and events hosted by the university, WSU registered student organizations, members of the Wayne State community and external community groups, and others. The university’s campus grounds are an important resource in carrying out our academic, research and service missions. WSU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to leverage our urban setting with informal gatherings on campus grounds, including the academic use of outdoor spaces for faculty seeking open-air classroom discussions during the class period, for example, or other curricular academic activities as part of their course.
Outdoor campus spaces are available for public use without reservations, provided these activities do not occupy a specific campus space over an extended period, block the use of the walkways or access to buildings, or use amplified sound. Activities following the above guidelines do not require a reservation.
Registered student organizations and other campus or community groups interested in planning a stationary event on campus and/or using amplified sound are required to make a reservation. Details for making a reservation are outlined below.
Overnight use of campus space is not permitted.
Campus reservations
The reservation process is designed to ensure effective, safe engagement of campus space for all within our community. Stationary engagements, with or without amplified sound, require a reservation with the Student Center and Campus Reservations team and may only take place in the locations described below.
Given the operational complexity of campus spaces and to ensure appropriate support for each event — including facilities, technology needs, room setup and breakdown, catering, and public safety — space reservations must be made at least five business days before an event. Reservation requests made within fewer than five business days' notice will not be approved, and the event will not be permitted to take place.
There may be other fees or requirements for reserving campus spaces. Read more about reservations for outdoor spaces, Spirit Rock, the Student Center, tables and other reservable event spaces.
Amplified sound
Amplified sound of any kind is permitted only on Keast Commons, only during Student Center operating hours, and only with a reservation.
Programs or events that use amplified sound are not permitted elsewhere on campus at any time other than as part of official university events.
Distribution of food and literature
This policy addresses the distribution and sale of literature and food on campus, while recognizing the need to keep outdoor walkways open, ensure that indoor areas serve their intended purpose, and public health and safety are maintained.
All university policies and procedures are found in these locations: Wayne State University Code Annotated, University Policies, Administrative Policy and Procedure Manual.