I Can't Yell "Fire" But What Can I Say? An Exploration of Free Speech in the Workplace, Cooper Sirwatka, Equal Opportunity Program Director, Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX (OIETIX)

This presentation will include a basic overview of the bounds of free speech in the workplace, including what, if any, free speech rights exist for employees. Further, we will explore concepts of hate speech, when hate speech may be considered a hate crime, and when an employer may prohibit an employee from engaging in certain speech even when it’s not a hate crime. Lastly, we will discuss situations in which words or expressions in the workplace may be considered harassment in violation of Cornell’s Policy 6.4.

Recorded: March 26, 2024 (2024 Virtual Inclusive Excellence Summit)