Free Speech
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Promoting free expression and free inquiry on Grounds

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The University of Virginia is a community in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression are respected and sustained. Promoting free expression and free inquiry on Grounds is core to our mission and integral to who we are. The University is committed to supporting the exercise of constitutionally protected expression, guided by reasonable and viewpoint-neutral "time, place, and manner" rules that protect equal treatment for all and offer our students, faculty, staff, and visitors a safe and welcoming environment in which to live, learn, and work as we maintain normal operations. UVA has been given the Green Light speech code rating by FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

Statements on Free Expression & Free Inquiry

Read the University’s Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry.

Read Statements

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the University’s free speech policies.

Browse FAQs

Policies & Regulations

Review links to relevant University policies and regulations regarding free speech and free expression.

Review Policies

Annual Report

Read the latest UVA annual report regarding free speech and free expression on Grounds.

News

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UVA Professor Studies Payoff of Engaging in Political Conversation

October 1, 2026: Karsh Faculty Fellow Rachel Wahl discusses research suggesting that prioritizing understanding over persuasion can reduce the urge to win at any cost.

www.29news.com
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Announcing Braver Angels Advisory Council

June 5, 2026: Names Karsh Institute Executive Director Melody Barnes among the initial members of the Braver Angels Advisory Council.

braverangels.org
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Becoming Good Citizens Requires Practice—and We All Need To Do Our Reps

April 26, 2026: Melody Barnes describes on a panel how the Karsh Institute helps students build the skills to engage across difference.

www.bushcenter.org

Browse more news stories

Group of UVA students standing with President Ryan and Melody Barnes

Talking Across Difference

The UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy showcases events, programs, research, classes, and other opportunities at UVA to foster open dialogue.

txd.karshinstitute.virginia.edu
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The Free Exchange of Ideas at UVA Law

Learn more about the Law School’s policies regarding free speech and free expression.

www.law.virginia.edu
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Hosting a Successful Public Event

Public lectures, discussions, performances, exhibitions, and other events serve the University’s mission by advancing and disseminating knowledge, promoting artistic expression, and building community.

academic-affairs.provost.virginia.edu
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Online Targeting Response Resources

Faculty members are sometimes targeted, on social media and elsewhere, for the research they conduct or the views they express.

provost.virginia.edu
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Information Security Resources

How to protect yourself online and find support from related University policies.

security.virginia.edu
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Report an Incident

Call 911 to report an emergency. Just Report It (JRI) is the University's online system for faculty, staff, and students to report a variety of incidents (past or ongoing) and other concerns.

justreportit.virginia.edu
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Submit a Tip

UVA's mobile safety App, UVA Ready, allows UVA students, faculty, staff, and members of the public to text concerns and tips to UVA Police.

uvapolice.virginia.edu

Contact Information

For faculty, staff, students, or student organizations planning expressive activity on Grounds or anticipating expressive activity at their on-Grounds event, please consider contacting the Free Speech Liaisons. 

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