First Amendment

Free Speech

The exercise of First Amendment rights on public university campuses is a critical component of the educational experience for students and requires free, robust, and uninhibited debate and deliberations. Coastal Carolina University upholds First Amendment rights to allow for the open exchange of ideas and prevent stifling expression on campus.

Our Commitment

Coastal Carolina University is responsible for creating and maintaining opportunities and spaces to engage in the exchange of ideas and viewpoints. It is necessary for freedom of expression to be protected and encouraged throughout the campus community both in and out of the classroom.

Our Approach

University Belonging & Student Affairs (UBSA) is driven by the mission to uphold living, learning, and legacy for all members of the CCU community through programs and services, bridging growth and development.

Belonging and transparency are the two pillars that uphold the UBSA values of community, partnership, lifelong learning, excellence, and integrity. Each of these values supports the institutional commitment to freedom of expression.

University Belonging & Student Affairs (UBSA) is home to the SPEAC Team.

SPEAC stands for Support Positioned to Educate, Act, & Connect and the acronym is pronounced "speak." The team is comprised of trained UBSA professional staff who assist the campus community before, during, and after events.

SPEAC Team representatives will seek to:

1. Educate the campus community,
2. Attend events,
3. De-escalate tense moments, and
4. Provide clarification and redirect, as needed.

If you would like to be in contact with the SPEAC Team, please contact Dr. Emily Gaspar at egaspar@coastal.edu or call 843-349-2417.