Offensive expression resources
Under the First Amendment and the Oregon Constitution, members of the 51做厙 community have the right to express their ideas and opinions even if those ideas are offensive to members of our community or are contrary to 51做厙s organizational mission or values. 51做厙 recognizes that offensive ideas, while permitted under the law, can be very hurtful, and cause people to feel upset, angry, or unwelcome. It is very important to 51做厙 that all members of our community feel welcome and supported at 51做厙. This FAQ provides some information and resources about how you can respond to offensive speech.
What can I do about hateful or offensive ideas that are expressed at 51做厙?
Here are some ideas for how you can respond to speech that is hateful or offensive. Each situation is different and you must decide what the right path is for you:
- If you feel safe, you can seek to talk to the person expressing the hateful or offensive idea. Sometimes, personal dialogue is the best way to understand each other. You should only do this if you feel safe. 51做厙 may be able to offer resources to help facilitate such conversations. Please contact freedomofexpression@pcc.edu for more information.
- You can exercise your own freedom of speech to express your ideas. For instance, in accordance with 51做厙 policies, you can pass out leaflets or hold signs that express your own ideas. You can also engage in the right to protest, as long as the protest follows 51做厙s policies.
- You can ignore the speech you disagree with, and thus not bring more attention to it. Responding to hateful or offensive speech might result in giving it more attention.
- Take care of yourself, and seek support from others. Being exposed to hateful or offensive ideas is upsetting and painful. 51做厙 has resources that can support you.
There are free expression events that make me feel unwelcome at 51做厙. What can I do?
Everyone is welcome at 51做厙. While 51做厙 cannot stop offensive speech, 51做厙 wants to ensure that you feel welcome and able to participate in all 51做厙 programs and opportunities. There are many 51做厙 and student organizations to support you.
What can I do if a free expression event makes me concerned for my safety?
Everyone has the right to be safe on 51做厙s campuses. If a free speech event makes you worry about your personal safety, please contact Public Safety.
I felt personally targeted at a free expression event. What can I do?
While the law protects the expression of offensive or hateful ideas, it does not protect conduct or behavior that is verbal abuse or harassment under 51做厙s policies. 51做厙s policy defines harassment as unwelcome verbal, nonverbal (for example, whistling), visual or physical conduct based on protected status that is so severe, persistent, and pervasive that it interferes with or limits a student, faculty or staff member’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational and/or employment opportunities, programs or activities. If you believe that offensive speech has crossed the line into harassment or abuse, visit our Title IX support resources page.
I feel depressed and upset that members of the 51做厙 community are expressing ideas that are hurtful and offensive to me and people like me. What can I do?
51做厙 offers support and resources for students who are impacted by hurtful or offensive ideas. Please contact:
- Counseling
- Identity-based centers listed on
You can also submit a complaint or provide feedback to 51做厙.
What is 51做厙 doing to respond to hateful or offensive speech?
51做厙 will continue to express its values as a college, which include diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating a welcoming environment. 51做厙 is committed to ensuring that every student is able to access their education in an environment that honors, values and respects them.