Free speech at ASU
The First Amendment and you
Freedom of speech is a hallmark of any public university. ASU is committed to the sharing of different ideas and points of view. At times, you’ll hear things you don’t agree with or that you find offensive. You have a choice. You can choose to engage. You can choose to debate. You can choose to walk away. To learn more, please review the resources provided below. For questions or concerns contact the Dean of Students on your campus.
University resources
Adoption of Chicago Statement of Freedom of Expression
Arizona State University has a long-standing commitment to free speech – a commitment that the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (“F.I.R.E.”) recognized when it gave ASU its “green light” rating in 2011. At the time, FIRE pointed out that “ASU, with a total enrollment of more than 60,000 students, is the largest university to have a ‘green light’ rating.” Earlier this year in a letter to President Crow, F.I.R.E. said it “sincerely appreciates that ASU is currently one of only 38 institutions in the entire country to earn our highest ‘green light’ rating for campus free speech. We commend the fact that ASU has ensured that its policies and regulations fully protect the freedom of expression of its students and faculty.”
Arizona State University’s existing principles on the importance of academic freedom and freedom of opinion and expression are also consistent with the July 28, 2020 report by the United Nations to the General Assembly entitled, “Promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.”
Important Policies and Resources
The primary function of Arizona’s public universities is to promote the discovery, improvement, transmission and dissemination of knowledge through research, teaching, discussion and debate.
Download 1-124
ASU has a limited amount of outdoor space under the administration of Educational Outreach and Student Services that may be reserved for use. ASU does not make space available to individuals or non-ASU organizations for private use.
Download SSM 802-01
2026 Elections and Voting at ASU
Arizona State University supports civic participation and serves as a host site for voting centers in partnership with Maricopa County Elections. Students, employees and community members can use this page to find voter resources, ASU Vote Center information and guidance regarding election-related activities in campus.
Key dates
- October 5: Arizona voter-registration deadline
- October 7: Early voting begins and early ballots are mailed
- October 23: Last day to request a replacement ballot by mail
- October 27: Recommended last day to return a ballot by mail
- November 3: General Election Day
* View the complete Maricopa County election calendar.
Vote Centers at ASU
Maricopa County Vote Centers will operate on selected dates between October 7 and November 3 according to the schedule below.
Downtown Phoenix Campus - AE England
424 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Polytechnic Campus - Academic Center
5988 S Backus Mall, Mesa, AZ 85212
Tempe Campus– Sun Devil Fitness Center
400 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85287
West Valley Campus – Verde Dining Pavilion
4701 West Thunderbird Road, Glendale, AZ 85304
Vote Center Hours
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| October 7–9 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| October 10–11 | Closed |
| October 12–16 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| October 17–18 | Closed |
| October 19–24 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| October 25 | Closed |
| October 26–30 | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| October 31 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| November 1 | Closed |
| November 2 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| November 3 | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
*Locations and hours are subject to change. Before visiting, confirm current information here.
Election-Related Activities on Campus
Public, outdoor areas on ASU’s campuses are available for expressive activities, including election-related activities, subject to time-place, and manner guidelines that permit these activities to take place alongside campus operations. Any person who is present on campus must also abide by the ABOR Code of Conduct. For more information click here.
Electioneering Activities
Different restrictions apply near active Vote Centers. Electioneering is prohibited within the posted 75-foot limit and may be prohibited throughout a property designated by Maricopa County as a non-electioneering site. Review Maricopa County’s electioneering guidance before planning activity near an ASU Vote Center.
Signs and Structures
ASU’s campus use policy does not permit shade structures, tents, or other camping equipment to be used on campus.
Signs may be posted on existing kiosks, but may not be affixed to buildings or equipment.
During the period that ASU is hosting Vote Centers (October 7 through November 3), ASU will also permit electioneering signs to be staked on university property. These signs should use lightweight wire stakes to avoid damage to the grounds or infrastructure, should avoid blocking pedestrian or vehicle traffic, and should be placed near vote centers and their parking areas.
Political Activity by ASU Employees
ASU employees can engage in political activities in their capacity as private citizens, but cannot use university time or resources to do so. More guidance is available here.