Marquette University fosters a culture that values, respects and promotes a sense of belonging for our community. Part of this is having opportunities for students to develop intellectual, personal and physical growth outside the classroom, including through our more than 270 student clubs and organizations. Marquette student organizations, while recognized by the university, operate independently of the university.
Statements made by student organizations
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, Marquette is committed to freedom of expression and open inquiry, deliberation and debate. The 500-year tradition of Jesuit education is grounded in the search for truth, the discovery of knowledge and the sharing of diverse viewpoints. By their very nature, universities are meant to be places where opposing viewpoints can be discussed and debated, and where students are supported to learn and talk about issues that matter to them. Just because issues are difficult, polarizing and complex does not mean we should avoid discussing them. Our discussions, however, must be peaceful and compassionate, and we must be committed to respecting each other’s personal histories, perspectives and beliefs.
The university does not endorse the views of student organizations, their guest speakers or their participation in events organized outside of the university, nor does it approve the content of student organization meetings or social media posts. No student group speaks for the university or its leadership.
Events held by student organizations
The university makes campus space available to student organizations provided they follow the registration process and university rules and regulations. It is important to remember:
- The use of Marquette’s facilities does not constitute an endorsement of the views expressed.
- The views expressed by speakers of student organization hosted events are those solely of the speaker and not of Marquette University.
- Marquette does not endorse any candidate for public office, political party or referendum matters and no fundraising for these activities can take place at this event.
- Any group that sponsors an activity or event is responsible for the actions of guests and participants and the proper use of facilities. Some events may require security as requested by the sponsoring organization or by the Alumni Memorial Union or both.
In keeping with the mission of the university and the instructive value of dialogue, educational or artistic merit and a balanced perspective will be the benchmarks for decisions. In those cases where a program, film or printed material is opposed to the mission of the university, there may be a requirement for the presentation of multiple points of view.
Culture of belonging
It is all our responsibility to care for each other and create a culture of belonging. There is no place on Marquette’s campus for discrimination, harassment or racism. If you experience or witness this sort of behavior on campus, we urge you to report it by submitting a confidential bias incident report online so that it can be appropriately addressed.
Marquette expects its students to uphold the university standards of conduct to achieve a campus environment in which people feel safe, sustained, engaged, challenged and appreciated. Students who do not uphold the university standards of conduct are subject to the student conduct process, which is confidential.
