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The first amendment protects many forms of expression , including :
Oral and written speech
“ Symbolic speech ” such as performing street theatre ;
Expressive conduct , such as wearing a t-shirt with a message , marching , holding a banner at a protest , and displaying or even mutilating the U . S . flag .
Although symbolic speech and expressive conduct are generally protected by the First Amendment , physically harmful or damaging conduct is not permitted simply because it expresses a message . For example , you cannot punch someone in the face — or even tear up someone else ’ s sign — as a means of expressing yourself . If you do so , your school would be free to punish you , not because of your views , but because of your conduct . For similar reasons , while the appropriate response to ignorant , and even prejudiced , speech is usually more speech , you do not need to accept acts of violence or vandalism simply because they are motivated by political disagreements . You have a right to physical safety , and you should expect your university to take forceful action if you are assaulted or threatened at a protest , or if university , Hillel , or personal property is damaged in acts of anti-Israel vandalism .
The first amendment does not protect :
Incitement or “ Fighting Words ”: speech that is intended , and likely , to provoke or incite others to commit immediate violent acts .
True Threats : speech that a reasonable person would perceive to be communicating a serious intent to cause physical harm ( usually to an identified individual or group ).