58 First Amendment Expressive Speech

Murray State College is committed to fostering a campus environment where freedom of speech,
academic inquiry, and expression are respected and encouraged.

Principles of Free Speech
Pursuant to Oklahoma law, all outdoor areas of the Murray State campuses that are generally
accessible by the public are areas where speech may occur. The college cannot restrict speech
based on viewpoint, including in demonstrations or social media posts. Murray State is a public
institution, and while the institution protects everyone’s right to freedom of speech, it does have
the ability and the obligation to reasonably restrict speech in certain areas of campus based on
time, place, and manner considerations.

Part 1: State Law

Oklahoma State Law §70-2120

• Enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature in 2019 and signed into law by the Governor, this statute
  became effective on August 30, 2019.

The law designates unrestricted, accessible outdoor green spaces on public college and university
campuses in Oklahoma as traditional public forums. This means members of the campus
community and the public may use these areas for non-commercial expressive activities as long
as their actions do not cause material and substantial disruptions to the institution. Such use may
be subject to reasonable restrictions on time, place, and manner.

Part 2: College Policy

In accordance with state law, MSC developed a policy regarding free speech. The policy is
available at https://open.ocolearnok.org/mscpolicies/chapter/expressive-activity/

• Please review the time, place, and manner restrictions. Restrictions will occur when
  speech interferes with the college’s educational mission or when activities violate other college
  policies, including those related to harassment, discrimination, and safety.
• Members of the public, as well as students, can report complaints of free speech violations
  using the campus complaint form or the Free Speech Committee website form.