At UNH, we are committed to fostering a community where diverse viewpoints can be shared and explored in a respectful and constructive manner. Whether you find yourself in agreement or disagreement with a candidate, speaker, or peer, these frequently asked questions offer information on how to express your views effectively, responsibly, and within the bounds of university policies.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is key to meaningful participation in our campus discourse. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with our Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy, which outlines permissible expressive activities. As a public institution, we uphold the principles of free speech while ensuring the safety and rights of all members of our community.
Explore this page for answers to common questions about expressing your views, hosting or attending events, and understanding the role of UNH in political activities. Together, we can create an environment where every voice is heard, and every opinion is valued.
The key to engaging across differences is to consider each argument in turn. Fortify your counterstatements with evidence and analysis to shape a different conversation. Express ideas freely and with the full understanding that acts of harm, property damage, and activities that hinder ingress and egress do not guarantee approval or immunity from consequences. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy which also describes alternative forms of expressive activity.
While the First Amendment protects the right to express one’s views, it does not provide license to say and do anything one chooses, nor does it imply immunity from prosecution for illegal acts of wrongdoing. Voluntary compliance with laws or university regulations is the primary objective, and with the understanding that responsible dissent carries with it a sensitivity for the civil rights of others.
Visit our Free Speech and Student Activism page for detailed information regarding your rights and responsibilities and the Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy for our policy and guidelines in full.
Generally, UNH does not invite specific candidates to campus. Campus facilities are rented to campaigns as with other external organizations when we’re approached. Recognized student organizations may invite speakers, including politicians and political candidates, to campus, but these are otherwise not UNH-sponsored events.
As a public institution, UNH has a legal responsibility to provide equal access when approached by a campaign seeking to use campus facilities. If we rent space to any outside organizations, we are required to rent space to all outside organizations. We are not permitted to accept or reject candidates based on their views.
UNH employees are not permitted to engage in political activity in their official capacities or using UNH systems, devices, accounts, or resources. This includes posting on departmental social media or issuing statements in their capacity as a staff member endorsing or condemning a particular candidate.
UNH does not make money or lose money by hosting candidates. All external speakers are invoiced for the cost of hosting (facilities rentals, security, etc.), just like other external rental groups.
Law enforcement works extensively with the towns of Durham, Manchester, Concord, other law enforcement agencies, and other staff at UNH to ensure the safety of the community during events. The community also plays an important role in the safety and security of our members. If you suspect violations of law or university policies, please report it to a campus official or to University Police.
