As a public institution of higher learning, Texas A&M University provides forums for the expression of ideas and opinions. These include:
* Traditional public forums include the University’s public streets, sidewalks, parks, and similar common areas. These areas are generally available for expressive activity, planned or spontaneous, for the individual or small groups
* Designated public forums include other parts of campus that may become temporarily available for expressive activity as designated by the university.
Texas A&M University is committed to providing an educational and work climate that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each individual. In fulfilling its multiple missions as an institution of higher learning, it encourages the free exchange of ideas. The university will protect the rights of freedom of speech, expression, petition and peaceful assembly as set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Texas A&M University maintains its right to regulate reasonable time, place and manner restrictions concerning acts of expression and dissent.
As a public institution of higher learning, Texas A&M University provides forums for the expression of ideas and opinions. These include:
* Traditional public forums include the University’s public streets, sidewalks, parks, and similar common areas. These areas are generally available for expressive activity, planned or spontaneous, for the individual or small groups (generally where a crowd of 25 or less will be present, and/or where an event is not promoted in advance, and/or when an event is not sponsored by a student organization) at any time without the need for reservation, or prior approval. (Obstructing or impeding the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic is prohibited.)
* Designated public forums include other parts of campus that may become temporarily available for expressive activity as designated by the university. These temporary locations, while in existence, will be treated similar to public streets, sidewalks, and parks in terms of access and availability for expressive activity. (Obstructing or impeding the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic is prohibited.)
* Limited public forums have limited open access for public expression, or they may be limited to particular groups or to particular topics. Creation of, and access to, limited public forums for student publications may be requested through the office of the Dean of Student Life.
* Non public forums are areas that are not traditional public forums or designated public forums. These include areas that are not by tradition or designation forums for public communication. These forums will be restricted to use for their intended purpose and are not available for public expressive activity. Examples include, but are not limited to, classrooms, residence hall rooms, faculty and staff offices, academic buildings, administration buildings, medical treatment facilities, libraries, research and computer laboratories, the MSC lawn, Easterwood Airport, Brayton Fire Training School, and research facilities.
Additionally, there are areas such as residences, the Bush Library, the nuclear reactors, utility buildings, etc. that have distance requirements, crowd placement restrictions, and security concerns that may vary depending on security needs, terror alerts, and other factors. Additionally, security needs, terror alerts, local and national events may affect the availability of spaces that would otherwise be routinely available. Information about existing requirements, restrictions, or security concerns will be discussed at the time the reservation request is processed.
Those who choose to observe and/or listen to expressive activities, bear the responsibility of recognizing and honoring the right of free speech. Any acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the university, including classes and university business, or that invade the rights of others will not be tolerated. Faculty, staff, and students engaging in a disruptive activity may be subject to disciplinary action. Any participant in a disruptive activity may face criminal charges.
Ideas or expressions put forth in expressive activities are not necessarily the views of Texas A&M University, its officers, administrators, or leaders, unless otherwise noted.
II. Designated Free Speech Areas
Rudder Fountain Area, Lawrence Sullivan Ross Statue Area, and the West Mall Area are designated free speech areas and will be reserved at the request of students and non-students for expressive activity. The act of confirming a reservation will ensure the availability of space. A reservation is not required, except as described in section III. Each area available for reservation is described below.
Rudder Fountain Area–space between Memorial Student Center and Rudder Tower. Sound equipment is allowed and is available for use in this area at a small fee. The volume of any sound equipment must be kept at a level that would not interfere with any academic or other program taking place in nearby buildings.
Lawrence Sullivan Ross Statue Area–space west of the Academic Building and near the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross. No sound equipment is permitted in this area. (This area is not available for expressive activity during Silver Taps and/or during the Ross Volunteer practice for Silver Taps.)
West Campus Mall Area–space east of the Heep Center and marked by flagpoles and plantings. No sound equipment is permitted in this area.
III. Advance Reservation Requirements
In an effort to ensure safety and to promote an environment conducive to study, advanced reservation for expressive activity is required (in the form of an approved Reservation Request for Space) for events or activities that are promoted in advance, and/or sponsored by student organizations, and/or expected to draw a crowd of more than 25 people. Advance reservation is also required for activities near intersections, and/or in close proximity to academic buildings anytime classes, and/or study activities, and/or research are taking place.
IV. Reservation Procedures
Individuals or groups who are either required to make advance reservation (see section III) or those individuals or groups who otherwise wish to make advance reservations shall request use of the space through the Scheduling Office on the second floor of Rudder Tower. If advance reservation is required, (see section III) requests must be made at least five business days in advance of the event. Additional collaboration and coordination may be required from a building/space proctor and the Department of Student Life. Usually use of the space will be assigned to the person or organization that requests the area first. University sponsored events have first priority on the use of campus facilities. The university reserves the right to locate any assembly so as to ensure that the activity does not interfere with the normal operation of the university or interfere with the rights of others.
The decision to confirm a request for space will be based on proper and timely completion of the Reservation Request form, compliance with applicable sound and sign requirements, and availability of space. The decision to confirm will be based on the foregoing criteria, and in no circumstance will any decision be based on the content or viewpoint of the expressive activity or upon the expected reaction of others. If a request is denied, the rationale for the decision will be provided in writing. The denial of a reservation request can be appealed to the Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee.
At the time of the request the following information will be required:
* Name information of the person or organization sponsoring the event. Contact information for one individual who will be present during the course of the event.
* Location, date and time requested for the event.
* General purpose of the event.
* List of planned activities (i.e. speech or rally, march with signs, distribution of literature, sit-in).
* Copies of any literature to be distributed
* Special equipment requested.
* Anticipated attendance.
