Crafting free speech, diversity, equity, and inclusion messages at the University of Iowa is a part of our everyday internal and external communications. Below are six guiding principles for students, faculty, and staff to follow when developing messages. Whether sending an email, creating a video, posting to social media, giving a speech, or writing an article, embed these principles to represent all Hawkeyes consuming our content

Uphold the five core values of the institution.

Creativity, Community, Inclusivity, Excellence and Integrity.

Be precise in our messaging.

We use the universities' message guide, editorial, and DEI style guides to shape our messages.

Respect our freedom of speech and expresssion.

Respect how different people could consume the message and their varied viewpoints on any topic.

Don't assume.

Ask questions, use the institution's resources, understand the correct words in communicating with groups and individuals.

Vet any communication (i.e. statements, letters, content, etc.) through DDEI Strategic Communications as a double-check resource.

Respect and use an individual's preferred pronouns.

Be transparent and authentic to who we are.

Balance being authentic with being aspirational.

Always be transparent. If we don't know, we don't assume, and we say so.

Understand the audience and who it represents.

We are part of a larger universe, representing a State, a university, our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the next generation of Hawkeyes. 

Official statements COULD include:

  • Announcements of new programming and initiatives
  • Support for our university community impacted by world, state, or local events with messages of education, resources, and assistance. 
    • Examples of message content allowed:
      • Resources: resources provided to our students, faculty, and staff.
      • Free Speech: how to practice free speech and protest on campus.
      • Facts: to educate without opinion or bias.
      • Empathy: we see you, we are with you, there are people who feel the same you do, you are not alone, and here is how to connect with each other.

Assets that can and cannot be used to comment and make personal statements:

  • Students, faculty, and staff can use personal forms of communication, rather than university-owned to make statements as a part of their First Amendment right to free speech

Official political guidelines of the institution on political expression:

 Staff

 Faculty

Communications if an individual is speaking on behalf of the University:

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