Ram Voice
Expression, Dialogue, and Civic Engagement at VCU
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) supports and advocates for free expression, understanding the pivotal role open dialogue and the exchange of ideas play in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Our commitment to fostering an environment conducive to civil discourse is rooted in the belief that academic excellence and societal progress are linked to the vibrant exercise of protected speech and other forms of expressive activity.
Council of Presidents' Statement on Free Speech
"As presidents of Virginia’s public colleges and universities, we unequivocally support free expression and viewpoint diversity on our campuses. Free expression is the fundamental basis for both academic freedom and for effective teaching and learning inside and outside the classroom. Our member universities and colleges are bound to uphold the First Amendment. We are committed to promoting this constitutional freedom through robust statements and policies that are formulated through shared governance processes and through actions that reflect and reinforce this core foundation of education. We value a scholarly environment that is supported by a diversity of research and intellectual perspectives among our faculty and staff. We pledge to promote and uphold inclusivity, academic freedom, free expression, and an environment that promotes civil discourse across differences. We will protect these principles when others seek to restrict them."
Your Voice at VCU
Your voice matters at VCU. The university is committed to maintaining an environment where ideas can be expressed freely and where members of the community may also respond with counter-speech through peaceful and lawful means.
You can use your voice in many ways:
- Engage in respectful dialogue with classmates, faculty, or staff
- Organize or join student organizations focused on issues you care about
- Participate in or share your concerns with student government
- Communicate concerns to the Office of Student Advocacy
- Vote and engage in civic life
- Write letters or opinion pieces
- Contact local, state, or federal representatives
- Use social media to share ideas and raise awareness
- Participate in peaceful demonstrations or gatherings (following laws and policies applicable in the location - for example, for on-campus areas, see the Campus Expression and Space Utilization policy)
While VCU is required to allow free expression consistent with the First Amendment, even when that expression is offensive, the institution must also promote community safety and uphold institutional policies and operations, and the rights of others.
Your responsibility as a student:
At VCU, freedom of expression comes with shared responsibility. As you engage in conversations, demonstrations, or advocacy, keep the following in mind:
- Learn before you engage. Take time to understand issues from multiple perspectives.
- Reflect on your own views. Our experiences shape how we see the world.
- Listen actively, especially when you disagree.
- Respect boundaries—yours and others’.
- Challenge yourself by engaging with ideas outside your comfort zone.
- Take care of yourself, especially during difficult or emotional conversations.
- Know the difference between dialogue and debate. Dialogue builds understanding; debate aims to persuade.
- Understand that free expression is not free from consequences. VCU will not penalize you for your protected speech, but it may not be able to insulate you from reactions of your peers or other individuals.
- Remember that threats, harassment, and violence are not protected speech.
- Recognize that the First Amendment generally protects everyone’s right to express themselves, even when you strongly disagree.
Common Questions About Free Expression at VCU
As a public university, VCU cannot prohibit speech simply because it is offensive or unpopular. The First Amendment protects expression based on content, not comfort. VCU encourages community members to respond through dialogue, education, or counter-speech.
You have the right to engage in counter-speech, peaceful protest, or dialogue. You do not have the right to silence others through disruption, threats, or force.
Reserving space helps VCU manage safety, access, and logistics. It ensures that multiple groups can use campus spaces fairly and that events do not interfere with classes, emergency access, or other university activities.
Different campus spaces serve different purposes. Time, place, and manner rules help ensure that expressive activity does not disrupt learning environments, block access, or create safety concerns.
VCU may intervene and/or pursue student conduct charges if an activity violates time, place, and manner rules or involves unprotected conduct such as violence, threats, or obstruction. VCU does not intervene based on the viewpoint being expressed.
No. While speech may be constitutionally protected, it can still carry social, or other consequences.
Time, Place, and Manner: How Expression Is Regulated at VCU
While the First Amendment broadly protects speech, it allows public universities such as VCU to establish reasonable, content-neutral rules related to the time, place, and manner of expression. These rules exist to ensure that the campus remains safe, accessible, and able to fulfill its educational mission.
VCU may regulate how expression occurs, but not what is being expressed, as long as the rules are:
- Content-neutral (applied equally, regardless of viewpoint)
- Narrowly tailored to serve a significant institutional interest
- Leave open alternative channels for expression
At VCU, time, place, and manner rules may address:
- Where expressive activity can occur (e.g., reservable spaces, outdoor areas, or designated chalking zones)
- When expressive activity may take place (e.g., duration of events, hours of amplified sound)
- How expression occurs (e.g., size of signs, use of structures, amplification, blocking entrances or walkways)
For example:
- Amplified sound may be limited in certain locations or during class hours
- Events or gatherings over a certain size may require advance registration or reservation
- Chalking, posting, or displays may be limited to designated areas
- Expression may not block building entrances, sidewalks, or emergency access routes
*These rules apply regardless of the message or viewpoint being expressed.
CESU Key Policy Updates: Key Q&A for Students and Campus Partners
A Major Event is any outdoor event expected to draw more than 175 attendees in a space with a maximum capacity over 175. Major Events must be planned at least 30 calendar days in advance (outside academic breaks) and require written authorization.
Why this matters:
Early planning allows campus partners to coordinate safety, logistics, and space management proactively.
Yes. The Major Event attendance threshold has increased from 150 to 175 attendees for outdoor spaces.
Why this matters:
Events that previously required Major Event planning may no longer meet the threshold, while larger gatherings still require early coordination and approval.
A reservation is required for all amplified sound, both indoors and outdoors, with the exception of personal-use devices.
Amplified sound is generally authorized only in:
- Commons Plaza
- Indoor Commons spaces
- Park Plaza or Patterson Green (typically 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday–Friday)
Why this matters:
Amplified sound is no longer spontaneous or informal—it must be planned and approved in advance.
Amplified sound in Park Plaza and Patterson Green is permitted only during approved reservation windows, which have been expanded to 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
This represents a change from the previous 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. window.
No. The Compass is not available for events or gatherings.
Designated edge locations may be used only for tabling, and a tabling reservation is required.
Why this matters:
This protects the Compass as a central pedestrian and learning space while still allowing limited engagement through tabling.