Policies & Procedures

The Constitutions of the United States and of New Mexico protect speech and expression, however these rights are not without limits. Limits on speech and expression are established by the courts and the legislature and reflected in University policies.  The University is permitted to enact and enforce policies regarding the time, place, and manner of speech and expression on campus.  UNM encourages free expression and peaceful assembly as long as such speech and activities do not violate federal or state laws, University policies or codes of conduct, or otherwise disrupt UNM’s mission and functions.  For example, speech that incites imminent lawless action on campus is not protected speech and threatens the safety of the community and the functioning of the University.

Please review the content linked below for information about relevant UNM policies prior to hosting an event on campus:

In the NM constitution, freedom of speech is covered in Article II, Section 17, Freedom of speech and of the press; libel and states: Every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. 

University of New Mexico Policies

RPM 2.1: Free Expression and Advocacy

RPM 2.12: Advertising, Sales and Solicitations on Campus

RPM 2.2: Speakers from Off Campus

RPM 2.3: Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Anti-Harrassment, and Anti-Retaliation

RPM 8.1: Special use of University Facilities 

UAP 2060: Political Activity

UAP 2210: Campus Violence

UAP 2220: Freedom of Expression and Dissent

UAP 2230: Police and Security Services

UAP 2240: Respectful Campus

UAP 5250: Use of University Facilities

Pathfinder: Student Code of Conduct

Pathfinder: Visitor Code of Conduct

Pathfinder: Student Disciplinary Procedure

Pathfinder: Main Campus Rules for Outdoor Events, Sound, and Posting

Pathfinder: Posting Policy

State of New Mexico Laws

30-3A-2: Harassment 

30-8-1: Public Nuisance 

30-11-1(C): Libel 

30-14-1: Criminal Trespass 

30-14-4(2): Wrongful Use of Public Property 

30-18B: Hate Crimes 

30-20-1: Disorderly Conduct 

30-20-3: Unlawful Assembly 

30-20-13(C & D): Interference with members of Staff, Public Officials or the General Public