Get Support
You have constitutionally protected rights of free expression, speech, assembly and worship, as well as rights to due process and equal protection.
The Office of the Dean of Students can answer your questions and help resolve your concerns about your rights and violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Report Hate and Bias
Campus Civil Rights provides options for reporting incidents that may violate MSU's policy on discrimination, harassment and retaliation and the Board of Regents' Title IX Policy. This includes incidents of protected class discrimination and harassment.
Reports can also be made directly to the CCR office at 406-994-2042. If you are unsure of what constitutes a violation of university policy, contact CCR and the Title IX coordinator for help.
Support Resources
The First Amendment has the potential to offend and even to hurt. While the university can’t restrict these liberties, there are services to help you cope with the discomfort that the free and open exchange of ideas can bring.
Confidential Resources
Questions about free speech and expression
Providing universal answers on issues of free speech and free expression is difficult. Often, the circumstances of each situation must be considered individually before any conclusions can be drawn. If you have questions about a free expression matter not covered on this site or about any of the policies summarized here, reach out to the following people for help:
- Matt Caires, Dean of Students – 406-994-2826 or deanofstudents@montana.edu – Students can begin most inquiries with the Dean of Students who can address issues including student conduct and campus events.
- General questions about the First Amendment and protected speech can be directed to Tracy Ellig, Vice President of University Communications at 406-994-5607 or tellig@montana.edu and to Kellie Peterson, MSU Legal Counsel, 406-994-4572 or kellie.peterson@montana.edu.