Message to students regarding campus speakers
Posted on: August 25, 2024; Updated on: August 25, 2024
A hallmark of a college education is exposure to opinions and ideas that may be far from your own. In addition to the typical tabling events and campus speakers that students may find interesting or challenging, the election occurring this semester also offers opportunities for students to become civically engaged. Civic engagement helps students become responsible, educated citizens in local, national and global communities.
Like other public institutions, USC allows recognized student groups to invite speakers of their choosing to campus — even ones with whom many in our community would strongly disagree. These appearances in no way represent an endorsement by the university of any individual speaker’s message but should be viewed as our commitment to allowing constitutionally protected speech on campus. This longstanding tradition has resulted in a variety of campus speakers representing all sides of political and ethical thought — to see some of the diversity of upcoming events, visit our campus calendar.
So, as you navigate how to practice civic engagement in the context of constitutionally protected expression, remember that the protections around speech are not without limits, harassment and discrimination against individuals is not permitted and should be reported; likewise, the placement of posters or flyers on outside structures is prohibited and may result in a range of consequences.
This semester, USC has several opportunities for students seeking to grow their civic engagement on campus:
Carolina Conversations: Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone, grow your communication skills, and practice how to successfully navigate tricky conversations. RSVP to join on Sept. 17 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for dinner and a workshop.
Gamecock Civic Leaders: Join an organization that develops your civic understanding. Info sessions will occur Sept. 25 and 26 with a kickoff event in November. If you are interested, let us know.
Prepare to Vote: Familiarize yourself with our voting resources for students. Stop by one of our voter registration drives, attend a Voting 101 workshop, and create your plan to vote.
- Stop by Davis Field for the Political Organization Fair + Voter Registration on Sept.17, 11a.m.-2 p.m. as part of Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day.
TurboVote makes voting easy by offering simultaneous online registration and a ballot request process that takes minutes to complete. Sign up for election reminders via text or email.
Vote: Do your research and make your voting plan. USC will be an early voting location at the Blatt PE Center Oct. 21-Nov. 1.
If you would like more information on civic engagement opportunities, please visit the Leadership and Service Center's Civic Engagement website. If you have questions about free expression or free speech on campus, you can visit the university’s free speech website or you can request a consultation with a member of the university’s SEED team by emailing seed@mailbox.sc.edu. SEED stands for Safely Engaging in Expression Delegates, and they are a team of staff volunteers who help students plan events on campus and who work events to help ensure that everyone’s right to free expression is protected.