Freedom of Speech

Exceptions to the First Amendment

There are a limited number of narrow exceptions to what the First Amendment protects. They include the following categories:

  • Incitement to imminent lawless action
  • True threats
  • Fighting words
  • Harassing Speech
  • Obscene Speech
  • Material and Substantial Disruption
  • Certain Symbolic Actions or Non-expressive conduct
  • Interference with Medical Treatment
  • Invasion of Privacy
  • Defamation
  • False Advertising
  • Intellectual property violations
  • Child Pornography

See the Guidelines for Freedom of Speech, Expression and Lawful Assembly and Speaker and Events 

Other Resources

See the Student Handbook 

BOR Student Code of Conduct