Your Voice Matters: Understanding Free Speech at STLCC

September 01, 2026

Posted by STLCC in Student Resources 

At St. Louis Community College, you have the right to express your views. That can include peaceful protests, speeches, distributing flyers, collecting petition signatures and other forms of expression.

Free expression is an important part of college life, and it is also protected by Missouri law.

The Missouri Campus Free Expression Act

In 2015, Missouri passed Senate Bill SB93, also known as the Missouri Campus Free Expression Act. This law makes sure that public college campuses remain places where ideas can flow freely.

Under the law, outdoor areas of STLCC campuses are considered traditional public forums. This means these spaces are generally open for protected speech and expression.

Indoor spaces are treated differently and may have additional rules or restrictions based on how the space is used.

Why Does Free Speech Matter? 

Free speech gives you the opportunity to:

• Share your ideas and opinions.
• Challenge viewpoints you disagree with.
• Learn from people who think differently.
• Speak up for issues and causes that matter to you.

College brings together people with different backgrounds, experiences and beliefs. Free expression gives you the chance to hear different perspectives, think critically and form your own opinions.

When Others Express Views You Disagree With

Free speech protects everyone, including people whose views you may strongly disagree with.

You may encounter visitors or speakers on campus whose messages you find upsetting, offensive or opposed to your values. You do not have to agree with them, listen to them or engage with them.

They may still have the right to express their views under Missouri law, just as you have the right to express your own.

How to Respond When You Disagree

If you encounter speech that bothers you, you have options.

DO:

• Walk away if you don’t want to engage or the situation becomes upsetting.
• Have a respectful conversation if you choose.
• Peacefully share your own perspective.
• Organize a counter-demonstration that follows College policies.
• Use sidewalk chalk or create your own materials in accordance with College policies.
• Talk with an STLCC counselor or staff member if you need support.

Before engaging, it may help to think about what you want from the interaction. You are not required to debate someone or change their mind. Remember that hearing is not agreeing; you can listen without accepting. 

DON'T:

• Block, shove or physically confront speakers.
• Shout over someone in an attempt to prevent them from speaking.
• Damage signs, flyers or other materials.
• Threaten or intimidate anyone.
• Pressure campus staff or police to remove speakers.  

Why This Matters

The same free speech protections that apply to views you disagree with also protect your right to speak.

You can respond to ideas you disagree with through discussion, protest, counter-speech or by choosing not to engage at all.

If you decide to have a conversation, the goal does not have to be changing someone’s mind. It may simply be understanding another perspective or sharing your own.

Walking away is also a valid choice. It does not mean you agree with or support someone’s message.

Building a Stronger Community Through Dialogue

Engaging with different perspectives is an important part of higher education. When we encounter ideas that challenge us, we have an opportunity to:

• Think more deeply about our own beliefs.
• Better understand other perspectives, even when we disagree.
• Practice respectful communication during difficult conversations.
• Learn how to navigate disagreement with others. 

At STLCC, you’ll meet people with different experiences, beliefs and opinions. Learning how to communicate across those differences can be an important part of your college experience.

What the College Promises You

STLCC is committed to the safety of our students and our campuses. If a situation rises to the level where additional actions are required, those steps will be taken. 

College staff and campus police generally cannot stop someone from speaking simply because their message is unpopular, offensive or causes disagreement. The College must apply its policies consistently regardless of viewpoint.

Free speech protections do not prevent STLCC from taking action when conduct violates the law, threatens safety or violates College policies. The College has procedures in place to respond when additional action is necessary.

Resources

Learn more about free expression at STLCC. For questions about free expression or student conduct, contact Shannon Nicholson, director for Community Standards, at snicholson29@stlcc.edu.

If you want to practice having conversations across different viewpoints, consider joining the Unify Challenge. This free virtual program pairs you with someone who may have different views and guides you through conversations about topics such as mental health, gun laws, immigration and free speech.

If an interaction leaves you upset or overwhelmed, STLCC Counseling is available to support you. Call 314-539-5151 or email counseling@stlcc.edu. 

Students should also review the Student Code of Conduct to understand expectations for behavior on campus.