Mississippi State views all members of its community as worthy of respect and dignity. As a public institution, however, the university is bound by free speech principles to permit expression that may conflict with the institution's values.
The university retains the right to restrict the time, place, and manner of on-campus speech on a content neutral basis. However, MSU cannot prohibit speech solely on grounds that it expresses disrespectful or controversial ideas. Broadly speaking, the university believes the best response to speech with which one disagrees is a strong, well-informed rebuttal.
If speech crosses the line into severe, pervasive, or persistent targeting of a particular individual, it becomes harassment and intervention by the university becomes appropriate. Conversely, individuals who voluntarily choose to engage with speakers making controversial statements generally assume the risk that harsh or uncivil things may be said to them.