Know Your Rights

These pages constitute a summary of local, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations dealing with issues of free speech, free expression, and free assembly. There are also suggestions for holding events and appropriately responding to events.

American Flag

The Montana University System (MUS) affirms and supports freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas and viewpoints. These freedoms are integral both to our democracy and to the purpose and processes of colleges and universities.

We want all members of our community to feel empowered to speak up, to ask challenging questions, and to present new and controversial ideas. It is only through the presentation and scrutiny of different perspectives that we develop the ability to confront and solve complex problems and exercise forms of collaborative leadership in diverse social and professional settings.

To engage each member of our community, the MUS institutions, and the general public in the study and practice of these values and to facilitate a clear understanding of relevant policies and practices, we have developed the attached PowerPoint presentation.

To further help campuses design effective ways to educate students about their free expression rights, we include the following resources and examples.

U.S. Constitution

Federal Law

Montana's Constitution

Montana Law

Board of Regents/
OCHE

FAQs

Scenarios

The Ground Rules

Additional Information

 

For more information about the MUS and free speech, contact:
Hannah Tokerud
OCHE Associate Legal Counsel
(406) 449-9173