Free Speech at Cleveland State University
Mailing Address
2121 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Phone: 216-687-2000
CSU Student Political Activities FAQs
Cleveland State University recognizes every student’s constitutional freedoms of speech and peaceable assembly provided under the United States and State of Ohio Constitutions.
Further, the University is dedicated to maintaining an environment that promotes the exchange of ideas and that is a secure, safe, and effective educational and work environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
Accordingly, the University shall not prohibit any student from engaging in political activity on campus so long as the student’s conduct is lawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the University. In an effort to maintain a safe campus for all in the University community, and to ensure the effective operation of educational, business and related University activities, political activities on campus may be subject to constitutional time, place and manner restrictions that are viewpoint and content neutral.
The following FAQs are intended to serve as a quick resource regarding student political activities on campus.
For more detailed information, please review the University’s Expressive Activities Policy. Members of the CSU community may submit an anonymous or public complaint about an alleged policy violation via Concerned Vikes.
Yes, students have a constitutional right to freedom of speech, press and assembly, which includes the right to participate in on campus demonstrations in accordance with the University’s Expressive Activities Policy. CSU's Free Speech Policy is also available online.
Yes, students have access to publicly accessible outdoor areas of the University’s campus (except parking lots, garages and driveways), which can be used for political activity. Students may not block access to buildings or block walkways, must abide by sound amplification levels and permissible times and must abide by all applicable laws. For more information, see the University’s Expressive Activities Policy.
Yes, students may use general access outdoor areas of the University to distribute materials such as pamphlets and leaflets. Distribution or solicitation by placing any material on vehicles in the parking lots or garages is prohibited. Leaving trash, litter materials or pollutants in any area is also prohibited. For information about how student organizations may use bulletin boards, please visit VikesConnect.
Yes, a student may sign or distribute petitions in general access outdoor areas. General access areas are publicly accessible outdoor areas of campus. Care should be taken not to violate the rights of others, such as by impeding the progress of a passersby, forcing materials on another, intentionally touching another, etc.
Yes, the University's Office of Civic Engagement hosts voter registration events to ensure that every CSU student has the opportunity to register to vote.
Yes, CSU-recognized student organizations may conduct voter education and registration activities on campus including publishing voter education guides and coordinating voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote events.
Yes, a student may join any recognized University student organization including partisan organizations. University-recognized student organizations are based on the interests of currently enrolled, degree-seeking students and may be professional, political, academic, faith-based, athletic or interest-based in nature. For more information about student organizations, please visit VikesConnect.
Yes, a University-recognized student organization generally has the same rights as an individual. Individual students and University-recognized student organizations are free to engage in partisan political activities, so long as their activities are not intended or appear to reflect or represent the views of the University. This includes the ability of recognized student organizations to use their CSU Zoom or other CSU account to endorse a candidate or ballot measure, so long as it is made clear that CSU is not endorsing the candidate or ballot measure.
Yes, a University-recognized student organization may invite a candidate to campus and invite the University community, so long as campus facilities are reserved in the same way that student organizations usually do. If an event is open to the general public, the organization must reserve the campus facilities in the same way that members of the general public do, including making any required payment. Because of the student organization’s affiliation with the University, invitations or other material must include the following disclaimer:
This event is sponsored by [insert recognized student organization]. The use of Cleveland State University facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by Cleveland State University. Cleveland State University does not endorse any candidate or ballot measure in this or any other election.
Activities that significantly disrupt the University’s ability to teach students, provide services or conduct its other business and support operations are prohibited. Examples include but are not limited to excessive noise, impeding vehicle or pedestrian traffic, and conduct otherwise unlawful; no activity may damage University property.
Counseling is available 24/7 by calling (216) 687-2277 or by scheduling online. Walk-in services are available Monday – Friday from 1 – 3 p.m. with no appointment necessary. Counseling is confidential.
CARE offers individualized case management services for students and is available by e-mailing magnusacts@csuohio.edu. If students are struggling to attend classes or focus on their coursework, CARE can help advocate with faculty or discuss other options. CARE is voluntary and not confidential.
Mailing Address
2121 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Phone: 216-687-2000