About the Author
Laura Putwen
Assistant Dean of Community Conduct
The Office of Academic and Community Conduct regularly handles reports beginning with “Someone said something that made me uncomfortable/offended/unsafe…”. We navigate these situations within First Amendment constraints, civil rights obligations, and University policy and mission requirements. Freedom of speech and expression concerns can involve intense emotions but our office is here to support you in many ways.
Common Challenges
We navigate situations in the gray areas such as (this is not an exhaustive list):
- classroom comments some find offensive while others view them as academic discourse
- residence hall political disputes
- student organization speakers
Our responsibility is determining when “offensive” becomes “harassment”—which excludes constitutionally protected activities serving legitimate purposes.
Beyond Enforcement: Education and Support
Our Free Speech Education Team helps individuals and groups understand Michigan Tech’s protest and demonstration guidelines. Using the team is optional and doesn’t indicate University endorsement of events if used.
While administrators maintain content neutrality, Student Affairs staff offer community dialogue opportunities for impacted parties when the need arises. We balance supporting those affected while recognizing that protected speech can sometimes cause discomfort.
Decision-Making Framework
Laws and policy require that we analyze context, persistence, severity, and pervasiveness in cases where free speech and expression crosses over into unconstitutionally protected speech. Our investigations include fact-gathering, interviews, and evidence collection to ensure due process. We also coordinate with faculty and staff, especially those in Student Affairs, to support students in need even when conduct rules are not broken.
Proactive Approach
Additionally, we conduct mandatory Rights and Responsibilities sessions during first-year orientation. These sessions focus on civil discourse and campus event responses to prepare students for the transition to the new university environment.
We are always open to visiting classes, providing training, or facilitating discussions if requested. Our Free Speech Education Team is also available to all, but is not required to be used if planning a protest and/or demonstration.
We are always open to visiting classes, providing training, or facilitating discussions if requested.
Classroom Environment and Expression
Faculty have the authority to manage their classroom environment to support effective teaching and learning. This includes setting clear expectations, addressing disruptions, and removing students when necessary. In partnership with the Center for Teaching and Learning, we will provide support through lunch-and-learn sessions to help faculty navigate these challenging situations.
The Student Code of Community Conduct gives faculty clear backing through its Disruptive Behavior provision, which prohibits “disrupting or impeding University operations or activities, including teaching, research, administration, other authorized University and non-University activities that occur at the University or University owned property, or surrounding community.” When disruptive behavior occurs, faculty can report it or consult with the Office of Academic and Community Conduct.
Our Commitment
Every decision impacts real people. We aim to assist with policy understanding, promote growth, and address community impact through compassionate enforcement and education—not endorsement—of freedom of expression principles within law and policy. Most importantly, we are here to talk.
