Applies To: Students
Responsible Office: Dean of Students
Related Documents: Student Code of Conduct, Facilities Use, Social Media Use
Policy Statement
Mitchell Hamline School of Law welcomes and values student speech and expressive conduct. MHSL invites the kind of free and open discourse that is critical to its mission as a law school. MHSL protects students’ right to communicate ideas that may be controversial or unpopular, including through robust debate, demonstrations, or protests, consistent with this policy.
MHSL restricts expression that prevents or substantially interferes with law school functions or approved activities such as classes, meetings, library services, interviews, ceremonies, and public events. MHSL also restricts expression that violates the law, falsely defames anyone, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, or unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, and reserves the right reasonably to regulate the time, place, and manner of expression.
Student speech or expressive conduct may also be restricted by other MHSL policies, including (but not limited to) non-discrimination and non-harassment policies.
Disclaimer
Mitchell Hamline policies are for informational purposes and to set expectations and do not constitute a contract, either express or implied, with any employee, student, or third party. Subject to applicable law, Mitchell Hamline reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate any of the policies or procedures described herein, in whole or in part, at any time, with or without prior notice, at its sole discretion. Mitchell Hamline also may choose not to apply a policy in certain circumstances if it determines a different course of action is more appropriate.