Speaker Policy

Fairfield University is committed to providing an academic environment that encourages students to seek truth, develop critical thinking, and make responsible decisions that influence their lives and the greater community in which they live. Therefore, student organizations are encouraged to sponsor lectures and speakers, including individuals from outside the University community.

The procedures generally required before students may invite a speaker or individual to appear on campus are designed only to ensure orderly scheduling of facilities, adequate preparation for the event, and conduct of the event in a manner appropriate to an academic community. In the rare occurrence where a speaker or individual may be so controversial in nature as to create a public safety concern, the University reserves the right to reschedule, relocate, or cancel the event.

The University does not require that student organizations or events provide alternate viewpoints to those that are expressed in a single event or program. Because we are an institution of learning, however, it is recommended that strong consideration be given on an event by event basis to the advisability of apprising audience members whenever there are opposing views, generally, including means by which audience members may gain access to learning more about these opposing views. This recommendation is consistent with the goals of an academic institution dedicated to developing critical thinkers, who are trained to weigh all views before committing to a particular set of beliefs, mores, or opinions.

All other policies governing student events, such as event registration and publicity, apply. Furthermore, student sponsorship of speakers or other individuals does not imply approval or endorsement of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring group or the University.

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