Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct- Respect for University Functions, Policies, and Procedures

Relevant Excerpt

The University of Rhode Island strongly values free speech. The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not mean that members of the university community may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. Consistent with the rule of law, the University of Rhode Island may restrict expression that violates the law including speech determined to be incitement to imminent lawless action; speech that falsely defames a specific individual; speech that constitutes a genuine threat or intimidation; speech that constitutes fighting words or legally defined obscenities; or that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of the university.

Peaceful Demonstrations

The University of Rhode Island believes in the right to assemble, and is committed to the protection of all peaceful, non-disruptive forms of protest including mass demonstrations, pickets, and rallies. The campus must be open to a free exchange of ideas, however, the University may reasonably regulate the time, place, manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the regular functioning of the university.