Know your rights as a public university student in Rhode Island.

Students at public colleges and universities have rights protected by the Constitution that students at private institutions do not have. In Rhode Island, the public higher education institutions are the University of Rhode Island, Community College of RI, and Rhode Island College.

Read below to learn more about the rights of public college and university students in Rhode Island regarding free speech, campus police, due process, and more.

Last Updated: October 2026

This information is not intended to serve as legal advice. If you have additional questions, or if you feel your rights have been violated, please contact the ACLU of RI.