Grounds and Facility Use Policy

Relevant Excerpt

The inside and immediate outside (within 50ft) of buildings dedicated to research, academics, health, and/or operations/administration, as well as parking areas (which are designed for the flow of traffic), are nonpublic forums, where viewpoint neutral restrictions apply. However, many areas of campus represent a public forum or limited public forum that the University has specifically designated for Expressive Activities. The Mt. Vernon Pedestrian Mall on GVSU’s Pew Campus, the Cook Carillon Tower and Transformational Link on GVSU’s Allendale campus, and the perimeter sidewalks of both campuses as well as on the Health Campus are open public forums. For students, registered student organizations, faculty and staff, the remaining areas on campus (those not designated as nonpublic or public forums) are limited public forums.

Expressive Activity comprised of unprotected speech may be prohibited.

As to all other speech, the University shall not consider the viewpoint of the Expressive Activity or the possible reaction to the viewpoint of that Expressive Activity in applying this policy.

...

For outdoor University areas, students, registered student organizations, faculty, and employees may freely engage in spontaneous Expressive Activities provided that such activities are in compliance with all other provisions of this policy, including those provisions pertaining to public, limited public and nonpublic forums, as well as all local, state and federal laws.

...

For indoor University facilities and areas, students, registered student organizations, faculty, and University employees may freely engage in spontaneous Expressive Activities, provided that such activities are in compliance with all other provisions of this policy, including those provisions pertaining to public, limited public and nonpublic forums, as well as all local, state and federal laws, and subject to the following conditions:

1. Guests may speak at indoor locations as long as they are invited by a registered student organization or by a faculty or staff member for an official University purpose. Non-University affiliated individuals may be requested to show evidence of qualification. Evidence of qualification means a current and valid University identification card, or accompaniment by a University community member that is a representative of the group that issued the invitation.
2. Use of the facility must be in compliance with all directives of the fire marshal for the use of any indoor area.
3. All Expressive Activity is restricted to the normal operating hours of the building or area in which the activity is taking place, unless otherwise indicated by prior approval.