To stop the defamation of the Jewish people... to secure justice and fair treatment to all
Anti-Defamation League ABOUT ADL FIND YOUR LOCAL ADL DONATE CONTACT US PRESS CENTER
Free Speech on Campus
• Free Speech and the First Amendment
• Free Speech at Public Universities
• Free Speech at Private Universities
• Student Speech on Campus
• Speech in the Classroom
• Free Speech and the Campus Media
• Outside Speakers on Campus
• Speech at Rallies and Protests
• Free Speech Zones
• Offensive Literature and Symbolic Speech
Building and Effective Response Strategy
Anti-Semitism: Prejudice and Discrimination Against Jews
When Does Criticism of Israel Become Anti-Semitism
Frequently Asked Questions
  Israel
Responding to Anti-Israel Campaigns on College and University Campuses
Free Speech on Campus
Free Speech and the First Amendment
Updated: January 20, 2009

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits the government from suppressing the speech of individuals, groups and organizations. This allows for the rich, varied discussions that are key elements of American democratic society.  It also forbids the government from stopping hateful speech, even when it finds that speech to be undesirable. In contrast, speech that is criminal in nature, such as harassment, threats or intimidation, is not protected by the First Amendment and is not permitted in society in any context, including on university campuses. 

The First Amendment applies only to government entities, not private entities, such as private businesses.  However, some states, such as California, have extended the First Amendment protections to private universities as well. Thus, depending on your state, the extent to which a university can regulate speech often depends upon whether it is a public or private institution.

e-mail icon E-Mail This to A Friend
Fighting Back: A Handbook for Responding to Anti-Israel Rallies on College and University Campuses (.pdf - 248kb – requires Acrobat Reader )
Home | Search | About ADL | Donate | Contact ADL | Privacy Policy |
| Update Your E-mail Preferences |

Help support our work by sending your tax deductible gift to:
ADL, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158, Attn: Development.

To speak to an ADL professional about giving opportunities
Please call 866-FUND-ADL or 866-386-3235
We thank you for your support

© 2013 Anti-Defamation League. All rights reserved. The Anti-Defamation League is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).