New UNC System Policy Amendment, “Prohibition on Compelling Speech”

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the UNC Board of Governors approved an amendment to Section 300.5.1 of The UNC Policy Manual, Political Activities of Employees. 

The amendment adds a new Section II.A.5 to the policy, entitled “Prohibition on Compelling Speech,” which provides in relevant part that: 

“. . . the University shall neither solicit nor require an employee or applicant for academic admission or employment to affirmatively ascribe to or opine about beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles, regarding matters of contemporary political debate or social action as a condition of admission, employment, or professional advancement. Nor shall any employee or applicant be solicited or required to describe his or her actions in support of or in opposition to, such beliefs, affiliations, ideals or principles. Practices prohibited here include but are not limited to solicitations or requirements for statements of commitment to particular views on matters of contemporary political debate or social action contained on application or qualifications for admission or employment or included as criteria for analysis of an employee’s career progression.”

If you have any questions about whether a proposed solicitation or requirement constitutes “compelling speech,” contact Legal Affairs.