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Obscenity : speech that appeals to , depicts or describes sexual conduct in an obviously offensive manner , and lacks serious literary , artistic , political , or scientific value .
Defamation : speech that communicates false information about another person that harms the person ’ s reputation .
Harassment : unwelcome speech or conduct directed at a specific person that is objectively unreasonable and sufficiently severe or pervasive to create an intimidating or hostile environment .
COMBATING OFFENSIVE SPEECH WITH MORE SPEECH
Because First Amendment protections are so robust , even hateful speech will sometimes be constitutionally protected . Unless a speaker crosses the line into intimidation , incitement , or harassment ( see pages 23-24 ), there may not be a legal remedy to bigoted speech . And because public universities are bound by the First Amendment , they are barred from taking disciplinary action against students who say hateful things . This means that you will sometimes have to tolerate deeply hurtful , offensive speech . But you — and your university — are always free to respond to hateful speech with speech of your own . If you encounter antisemitic speech on campus , it is fair to request — and expect — that your university administration will speak out clearly to condemn antisemitism and voice its support for Jewish students . And of course , if a speaker does cross the line into intimidation , incitement , or harassment , you should expect ( and if necessary demand ) that your school take action to protect you .