Events and Demonstrations Policy

Relevant Excerpt

As the Boston University Statement on Free Speech and Expression makes clear, providing opportunities for members of the University community to express themselves, including to dissent, to rally, to gather in vigil, to walkout, to sponsor speakers or performances, or to otherwise express themselves peaceably, is central to the educational mission of the University, as long as these activities do not unreasonably interfere with or disrupt University events, programs, activities, academics, research, or operations. The University makes these opportunities for expression available while neither requiring that other members of the community condone particular messages or remain silent in the face of speech with which they disagree. ...

This policy describes the requirements for events that are to be held on the University’s campus and that are organized by University affiliates.

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Event: A gathering on the Boston University campus or other property controlled by the University sponsored by an Affiliate for the purpose of individual or collective speech or other expression. Examples include speakers, panels, concerts, performances, film screenings, conferences, and Demonstrations. 

Note: The following are not considered Events for purposes of this policy: regularly scheduled University classes; routine meetings between groups of faculty, staff, or students; or gatherings for personal or professional celebrations, such as birthdays or holiday or retirement parties. 

Demonstration: An Event sponsored by an Affiliate involving an in-person assembly or march to protest or express views on an issue in view of others on campus or the public, which may take the form of a vigil, rally, protest, picketing, leafletting, sit-in, or similar activities.

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A. Optional Registration
On-campus Demonstrations sponsored and/or organized by Affiliates are exempt from the event registration process described in Section I(A), though they are subject to the other provisions of this Policy as outlined in Section I(B-E). Nevertheless, the University invites and encourages Affiliates organizing Demonstrations on campus to register them as Events so that the University can provide event support.

B. Locations
The University permits Demonstrations at the following locations, unless another party has previously reserved the space:

• Marsh Plaza
• George Sherman Union Plaza (outside Commonwealth Avenue entrance)
• Metcalf Science Plaza
• COM Lawn (640 Commonwealth Avenue)
• Harry Agganis Way (at Braves Way)
• CCDS pocket park (Corner of Bay State Road and Granby Street)
• Cummington Mall
• 715 Albany Street lawn
• Alpert Mall (BU Beach)
• Outside Booth Theatre (front outdoor plaza)

Demonstrations are prohibited in private offices, private residences, research laboratories and associated facilities, clinical areas and associated facilities, computer centers, and offices, museums, libraries, and other facilities that normally contain valuable or sensitive materials, collections, equipment, records protected by law or by existing University policy such as educational records, student-related or personnel-related records, medical records, or financial records. 

The University reserves the right to cancel any Event or Demonstration that unreasonably interferes with another pre-scheduled Event on campus. The Dean of Students Office, or the Office of the Provost may also approve the use of other locations to accommodate particular circumstances associated with a Demonstration.