The purpose of this policy is to protect the rights of Seton Hall University School of Law (“Law School”) faculty, students, administrators and staff to communicate ideas that may be controversial or unpopular, including through robust debate, demonstrations, or protests, and in compliance with the requirements of the American Bar Association. This policy will be administered in accordance with our Catholic mission and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
This policy applies to all Law School students, faculty, administrators, and staff members.
Seton Hall University (the “University”) values, encourages and supports the free expression of ideas of and by its Law School faculty, administrators, staff, and students, as well as invited speakers at the Law School. To maintain a safe and respectful learning environment, the University strictly prohibits disruptive conduct that hinders free expression by preventing or substantially interfering with the carrying out of Law School and/or University functions or approved activities, such as classes, meetings, library services, interviews, ceremonies, and public events. Such conduct is not protected under this policy. The University also proscribes physical coercion or intimidation, threats of violence, and other disruptive conduct as a means of communicating ideas that would prevent reasoned debate. Further examples of disruptive conduct are included in the Law School Honor Code, the Law School Faculty Guide, the University Administrator & Staff Employee Handbook, the Law School Student Protest Policy, and other University policies.
The University strictly prohibits expression that violates the law and/or University policies, that endangers the University community, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, or that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests.
Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to affect the University’s authority to reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression.
Speech of Law School employees in non-faculty roles may not be protected when they are speaking within the scope of their official duties.
The University is not required to invite or permit any speaker onto its premises, or to participate in University events. As a private, religious institution, the University shall not provide a forum for advocates whose values are inconsistent with the University’s Catholic mission, or where the speaker would likely cause disruption or pose a safety or security risk.
Approved by Msgr. Joseph Reilly, President, on the recommendation of the Executive Cabinet, on December 10, 2025.
December 10, 2025
