A comprehensive guide to your rights, your obligations, the boundaries of speech, and how to protect yourself against administrative overreach.
You possess the fundamental right to express your opinions anywhere on campus. This right is broad and robust. As long as you are not committing a strictly sanctioned offense, such as an imminent incitement to violence, knowingly committing fraud, or actively disrupting classes, your speech is protected.
A culture of free expression demands civil discourse. You have an obligation to listen and give others the chance to explain themselves. Offer your opinions civilly. There is no place for shouting, interrupting, or ad hominem attacks. Approach debates with the intent to truly understand the opposing side.
MIT maintains specific prohibitions regarding physical violence, physical interference, doxing, and targeted bullying (see MIT's Fundamental Principles). However, it is vital to understand the legal definition of harassment, which is much narrower than subjective offense.
Legally, harassment must be targeted directly at you, maliciously intended to cause harm, and repetitive (e.g., following someone around campus day after day). Simply hearing an insult, seeing a flag you dislike, or encountering offensive ideas does not constitute harassment.
MIT allows individuals to report speech anonymously online. These reports are often processed by the Institute Discrimination & Harassment Response (IDHR) office. Be aware: depending on the administration, Student Life and IDHR may not protect you if you do not represent a favored identity group or ideological position. If they contact you regarding your speech, do not panic. You have specific rights: