Everyone these days seems to feel they’re right and everyone else is wrong. As a corollary, everyone believes their opinions should be protected while those of others should be condemned.
A public university like Oklahoma State should be above this fray. If nothing else, OSU is required to respect the First Amendment rights of everyone on campus. Colleges and universities have other responsibilities too, though, like protecting students and faculty from harm, and incidents can get complicated pretty fast.
If you’ve been charged with misconduct because of something you’ve said or some opinion you’ve expressed, don’t try to handle the situation yourself. OSU’s disciplinary misconduct system can be difficult to navigate, and if you’re involved in a complex case, you can be sure nothing will be straightforward. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we’ve worked on hundreds of student defense cases. Most importantly, we’re always on your side, no matter what the situation.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Free Speech Policies and Free Speech Realities
People in Oklahoma have strong opinions on most issues. Credit Oklahoma State with developing a free speech policy that is supposed to protect everyone. The first sentence makes clear the university’s commitment to “the constitutional right of free speech.” The second point is that to be effective, schools must provide everyone on campus with “the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn.”
Unfortunately, not everyone’s gotten the memo. In 2025, most of the student body called for banning the Young Americans for Freedom over a flyer that advocated deporting illegals from the U.S. Luckily, the OSU administration declined to get involved in the controversy, rightly pointing out that even reprehensible speech is protected under the Constitution.
You cannot be certain the university will take your side, though. These cases can become enormously complicated, with claims and counterclaims. Reality can get lost. At the first sign of trouble, it’s essential you contact the LLF National Law Firm. We can make sure everything gets sorted out and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
Confusing Rules and Regulations
Part of the problem at OSU is that there are rules and regulations in the Code of Conduct that, when misinterpreted, can absolutely be used to punish students for expressing unpopular opinions. The university certainly isn’t going to sanction you for “offensive speech.” It could mistakenly punish you for one of these offenses, though:
- Physical Violence: Despite its title, this Code regulation doesn’t just apply to “physical violence.” You can also be charged for causing a person “reasonable apprehension” of harm. It has happened that students have been accused of threatening others simply because they expressed themselves passionately when delivering their opinions.
- Harassment: Similarly, the university is right to bar harassment. In fact, federal law prohibits discrimination and harassment relating to protected characteristics like sex, age, race, and religion. Racism, however, doesn’t rise to the level of harassment unless it is pervasive and directed at an individual. Even “hate speech” is protected by the First Amendment.
- Disorderly Conduct: Finally, the Code also bars “disorderly conduct” and any other activity that could potentially disrupt normal OSU operations. Again, serious arguments always have the potential to disrupt class or create disorder on campus. That doesn’t mean such speech deserves to be banned or that students who offer such arguments deserve to be charged with misconduct.
Remember that we said we’re really good at sorting out complex cases? Part of that involves explaining to a university that what they’ve labeled as an offense is actually protected speech. The LLF National Law Firm works extensively in the field of student defense, and we know exactly how to hold schools responsible when they’re violating your rights.
The Disciplinary Misconduct System
The first thing to do if you’ve been accused of misconduct, whatever the circumstances, is to remain calm. You have some important rights at OSU designed to ensure justice is done. The second thing to do? Contact the LLF National Law Firm. Having rights and knowing how to use them effectively are not the same thing. We can make sure you don’t get lost in the system and, in fact, show you how to use the system to your advantage.
- The Office of Student Conduct deals with all misconduct allegations at OSU. Anyone can accuse you of an offense, but this office should dismiss complaints if they relate to protected speech. We can sometimes intervene on your behalf and make sure officials understand all the parameters of the situation.
- If you’re charged, you’re entitled to notice of those charges. In other words, the university must tell you exactly what it is you’re supposed to have done. In addition, they must explain your due process rights, so you have a clear sense of how to defend yourself.
- Student Conduct must also conduct an investigation. Of course, no one ever wants to endure an investigation, but the truth is that if you’ve been charged, an investigation is to your advantage. The university cannot proceed without concrete evidence against you. Plus, along the way, you have the right to give your side of the story. And, you’re entitled to review all evidence, so it’s like investigators are working for you.
- Following the investigation, you’re also entitled to defend yourself at a Student Conduct Hearing. At the hearing, both sides present physical evidence and witness testimony. Keep in mind, though, that you are “innocent until proven guilty.” That means your most important job is simply to raise questions about the university’s evidence.
- Decision-makers, in your case, must believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense before finding you responsible for that offense. This is known as “the preponderance of the evidence.”
- Finally, you are entitled to a fair chance to defend yourself. If there is a procedural error in your case, or new evidence comes to light, you have the right to appeal and request a new hearing. You can also appeal your sanction if you feel it is more severe than you deserve.
In addition to protecting your rights, the LLF National Law Firm will guide you step-by-step through the disciplinary process. We can work with you to find evidence of your innocence, coach you in how to talk with investigators, and even draft the content of your hearing presentation. We’re on your side no matter what and committed to protecting your academic future.
How Can the LLF National Law Firm Help With Your Case?
If you’ve been accused of some type of disciplinary misconduct over something you’ve said, you don’t want to try to handle the situation on your own. Your educational and professional futures are at stake.
The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team is committed to your future and to ensuring you get justice. We are skilled negotiators, but make no mistake: we’re ready to fight for you any time you need us.
To find out more about how we can help, contact the LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.