Speech, Public Expression, & Public Assembly Policy

At Wheaton College, our understanding of speech, public expression, and public assembly is influenced by our biblical commitments and shared life together in Christian community as well as our legal considerations.

While the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects private citizens from governmental interference in their speech, it also grants private institutions the freedom to set their own standards and expectations. As a Christ-centered academic community, Wheaton College exercises this freedom considering our Community Covenant, which serves as our spiritual and moral compass.

Rooted in Jesus’ two Great Commandments—“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37­­­–40)—our Covenant provides a biblical framework for the kind of community we seek to build. We affirm that whole-person education flourishes in an environment marked by both freedom and responsibility—an environment where diverse ideas are welcomed but always expressed within the bounds of Christlike love.

Biblical Vision for Expression and Assembly

Speech, public expression, and assembly are not neutral acts; they help form our community. Scripture exhorts us to pursue peace (Ps. 34:14; Rom. 12:18), seek unity (Eph. 4:1–3), as well as practice gentleness, truth, and love (Eph. 4:15; Prov. 15:1; James 1:19). Our expressions should reflect a posture of humility (Phil. 2:1–8) and a desire to build one another up (Phil. 2:4), functioning as living witnesses of God’s redemptive love.

In this context, courageous and thoughtful engagement—even amid disagreement—can be a form of love when it fosters understanding and growth. However, expressions that violate love of God or neighbor, either in tone or content, contradict our covenantal commitments.

Forms of Speech and Expression

Speech and expression at the College include (but are not limited to): digital posts; verbal contributions at College-sponsored events; student publications; campus programs; materials displayed in public spaces; and peaceful, orderly demonstrations or assemblies. These forms should honor the mission of the College and reflect our collective call to pursue truth and grace in community.

Expectations and Boundaries

The following principles apply to all students and student groups regarding speech, expression, and assembly:

Respect for People and Spaces

Expression must be respectful toward all members of the campus community—including students, faculty, staff, and guests—and may not disrupt teaching, worship, campus operations, or private residential areas.

Avoidance of Hateful Content

Speech that promotes what Scripture identifies as detestable (Prov. 6:16–19)—such as prideful contempt, deceit, violence, malicious intent, or quarrelsomeness—undermines our witness and will not be permitted.

Artistic Expression

Public art must align with community standards. Explicit human frontal nudity is not permitted in public spaces. See the Policy on Artistic Expression of the Human Body for further guidance.

Obscenity and Vulgarity

Explicitly vulgar or obscene content should not be displayed publicly. Refer to the Policy on Public Display of Art Related to Language for details.

Visiting Speakers

Recognized student groups may invite off-campus speakers in accordance with the Visiting Speaker Policy & Procedures (in the Student Involvement Programming Guide) and under departmental sponsorship.

Chalk Messaging and Posters

Messages may not be chalked on College property, except in pre-approved spaces under the Campus Promotion Policy (in the Student Involvement Programming Guide). Posters must be stamped and include departmental sponsorship.

Mass Communication

Unsolicited mass emails for external or non-Wheaton purposes are prohibited. See the Campus-Wide Email Policy (in the Student Involvement Programming Guide) and Technology Acceptable Use Policy.

Avoid Stereotyping

Any portrayal of historically marginalized groups primarily for humor or effect violates the Covenant. See the Ethic of Care to Prevent the Stereotyping of Groups in Student Programming & Activities (in the Student Involvement Programming Guide).

Bullying and Harassment

Persistent behavior intended to intimidate or coerce, whether physical or verbal, is a serious violation. See the Bullying Policy.

Malicious Behavior

Speech or action that intends to threaten or harm others is prohibited. See the Malicious Behavior Policy.

Anonymous Speech

While anonymity can sometimes protect vulnerable voices, it can also hinder accountability and encourage harmful rhetoric. For these reasons, anonymous expression is discouraged.

Political Expression

Students may express political views personally or within groups but must not imply College endorsement. The College, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, must remain politically neutral. See the Political Involvement & Campaign Activity Policy.

Political Displays

Political signs, symbols, or materials may be displayed privately but not in community-facing areas (e.g., residence hall windows, porches). See the Residence Life Building & Room Care Policy and related guidelines.

Planning Public Assemblies

Assemblies must be planned in collaboration with Student Government Association and Student Development leaders to ensure peaceful expression and logistical clarity.

Student Publications

Official student publications are governed by the Student Publications Constitution, available upon request from student.development@wheaton.edu.

Forums and Listening Sessions

Students interested in organizing campus-wide conversations should initiate planning through the Student Government Association, in consultation with relevant administrators and faculty.

Alignment with the Covenant

Public advocacy that opposes the biblical convictions of the College, as expressed in the Community Covenant, falls outside the bounds of acceptable speech. Concerns may be respectfully raised through established channels.

Accountability

Violations of this policy may result in institutional consequences—including disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Policy, the Disruptive Behavior Policy, or applicable law.

Conclusion

Speech and expression are integral to the life of the mind and the life of faith. At Wheaton, they must reflect both intellectual rigor and Christlike character. As members of this covenant community, we speak not merely to be heard, but to bear witness to the One who is the Word made flesh as well as to His truth and love.