SF State supports and promotes freedom of expression and assembly

Since Monday morning, April 15, the University has received numerous phone calls and emails describing the impact that the Genocide Awareness Project exhibit has had on members of our community.

The presentation is not a SF State-sponsored event. The exhibitors complied with the SF State time, place and manner policy and are permitted to conduct their event consistent with that policy and principles of free speech and expression.

Thousands of events occur at SF State each year, some controversial. Students, faculty and staff who do not support or agree with a particular event on campus are invited to participate in speech of their own. This freedom of expression is part of a longstanding tradition at SF State to support critical thought and expression as part of the “marketplace of ideas” that makes our campus so vibrant. 

As a public institution, SF State supports and promotes freedom of expression and assembly by all students, faculty, staff and community members, subject to the University’s policies and regulations regarding appropriate time, place and manner. These regulations exist to ensure that SF State’s core mission of teaching, research and creative activity is not disrupted.

We recognize and understand that for some members of our campus community and visitors the content of this particular event is disturbing and uncomfortable and encourage the use of campus support resources, which include:

• Students who are in need of emotional or psychological support can contact Counseling & Psychological Services at (415) 338-2208 for appointments.
• Faculty and staff members in need of counseling may call 1(800) 367-7474.
• Students who have questions about pregnancy options education can contact Student Health Services (415) 338-1251.
• SF State’s Women’s Center may be reached at (415) 338-2486.
• Division of Equity & Community Inclusion is available at (415) 338-7290.
• For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program offers confidential support for emotional and workplace issues, among other issues. Information, resources and tools are available online or by calling 1(800) 367-7474.

The University has also placed signs on campus walkways alerting students, faculty, staff and community members who may find the images or presentation disturbing that alternate routes are available.

The University encourages the campus community to take full advantage of the support resources that are available.