University Values

The legitimate expression of differing opinions and concerns, including unpopular, controversial or dissident viewpoints, is an essential element of the academic process.  All members of the university community have a responsibility to provide and maintain an atmosphere of free inquiry and expression respecting the fundamental human rights of others, the rights of others based upon the nature of the educational process, and the rights of the institution. 

USC is committed to protecting free speech and academic freedom, in compliance with state and federal law and university policy. Please review the USC Policy on Free Speech for more detail. The university’s specific policies on students’ right to free speech are set forth in the USC Student Handbook, and the university’s policies on academic freedom more generally are set forth in the Faculty Handbook.

Leonard Law

Learn more about California’s Leonard Law and how it relates to the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

Defining Free Speech

Learn more about protected and unprotected speech, hate speech, and the university’s statement on controversial speakers.


USC Student Commitment

The USC Student Commitment is a statement of values that our students aspire to meet.  Speech may be legally protected and therefore not subject to discipline under the Code of Conduct, but nevertheless inconsistent with the Student Commitment.  We ask and encourage our students to be thoughtful about how their written and verbal comments, regardless of whether they are legally protected or not, could affect other members of the campus community.  Read more about the Student Commitment at the link below.

USC Unifying Values

At USC, our six unifying values support our university’s mission and guide our behaviors – the way we engage with ourselves and our community – to create our Trojan culture. These values should also be honored when we express differences in opinions and viewpoints.