Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) is committed to fostering an environment that upholds the principles of free speech and expression. As an institution of higher education and medical training, we recognize the vital role these principles play in academic discourse, personal growth, and the advancement of knowledge.
Our commitment to freedom of expression is balanced with our responsibility to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all members of our community. We encourage open dialogue and the exchange of ideas while promoting mutual respect and adherence to professional standards.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine affirms its commitment to the principles of free speech and expression as fundamental to our educational mission. We believe that the free exchange of ideas, even those that may be controversial or unpopular, is essential for academic inquiry and the pursuit of truth. PCOM supports the right of all members of our community to express their views, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful environment conducive to learning and patient care.
PCOM has established policies and guidelines to support freedom of expression while maintaining a respectful and professional environment:
Students should consult the handbook for their program for further information regarding any program-specific expectations.
PCOM offers various resources to support our community in matters related to freedom of expression:
We are committed to upholding the principles of free expression while fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of the PCOM community.
If you believe you have witnessed or experienced a violation of PCOM's freedom of expression policies or a disruption of constitutionally protected speech, we encourage you to report the incident. Faculty, staff and students should use our Incident Reporting Form for confidential reporting.
PCOM protects all forms of constitutionally protected speech. This includes expressions of opinion on political, social, and academic matters. However, speech that violates laws or PCOM policies, such as harassment or threats, is not protected.
Yes, PCOM respects the right of community members to express their political views. However, as a non-profit institution, PCOM itself must remain politically neutral and cannot endorse specific candidates or political parties. As such, organized political events will not be approved.
While PCOM supports the right to peaceful protest, demonstrations must not disrupt college operations, block access to buildings, or infringe on the rights of others.
PCOM community members have the right to express their views on social media, and PCOM’s Social Media Policy is not intended to prevent, interfere with, or otherwise restrain an employee's or student’s rights.
PCOM has procedures and guides to ensure that official or affiliated College accounts comply with PCOM’s policies, mission, and vision. We expect that PCOM community members do not use social media to compromise patient privacy or violate the College’s policies against harassment, hostility, or discrimination. Individuals also may be held personally liable for posting defamatory or libelous material.
In short: Think before you post. Once information is on the Internet, it leaves your hands.
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