Freedom of Expression and Assembly (from WLU Student Handbook: Student Life Policies)

As a member of the academic community, the West Liberty University student enjoys the essential freedoms of scholarship and inquiry central to all institutions of higher education. In exercising these freedoms, the student is privileged to have access to campus resources and facilities in accordance with institutional policies. Such campus resources at West Liberty University include the Library, Counseling Services, Educational-Vocational Counseling, Placement Services, and Campus Ministry. Furthermore, the student is encouraged to inquire, discuss, listen to, and evaluate the opinions of others who may or may not be members of the community.

West Liberty University complies with WV Code §18B-20-7 Accountability to the Public:

(a) Each state institution of higher education shall publicly post on its website any policies it has enacted regarding protected expressive activity under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

(b) Each campus shall report to the Higher Education Policy Commission or the Council for Community and Technical College Education, as applicable, a description of any barriers to, or incidents of disruption of, free expression occurring on campus, including, but not limited to, attempts to block or prohibit speakers and investigations into students or student organizations for their speech. The description shall include the nature of each barrier or incident, as well as what disciplinary action, if any, was taken against members of the campus community determined to be responsible for those specific barriers or incidents involving students and shall be reported without revealing those students’ personally identifiable information. Annually, by August 1, the commission and council shall report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability any barriers or incidents reported to them pursuant to this subsection.

Any updates to policy on freedom of expression will be posted on the West Liberty University website and the Student Handbook.