Commitment to Freedom of Expression

Onondaga Community College believes in free speech and free expression.

We believe in the exchange of ideas because we believe in an ethical pursuit of truth. Our goal is to ensure these principles are exhibited by every member of the college community. That’s not possible if some groups are intentionally or unintentionally excluded from full participation. 

Onondaga Community College guarantees all members of the college community to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn, except when that expression violates the law, falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, unjustifiably invades privacy or is directly incompatible with the functioning of the College.

OCC’s commitment is to the principle that debate, discussion and deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even most members of the college community to be offensive or unwise. We have a responsibility to promote the lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation and will also protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it. It is not the role of the College to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find uncomfortable, disagreeable, or offensive. The role of the college is to sustain an environment in which all students can freely learn. 

Onondaga Community College values diversity, recognizing the dignity of every person.  We expect to be better today than yesterday. The best way to ensure progression is to recognize that true inclusion and true free speech are interdependent. They must continue to be so.