Permanent Memorandum 79: Freedom of Speech and Expression

Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge

  • Speech Code Rating
    Green
  • Speech Code Category
    Protest and Demonstration Policies
  • Last updated
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Relevant Excerpt

The “Public Areas” of Campus mean all Outdoor Areas. The “Outdoor Areas” mean outside areas generally accessible to the majority of students, administrators, faculty, and staff such as grassy areas, walkways, or other similar common areas, but do not include University facilities, the interior of buildings or areas where access is restricted. The Public Areas of campus are deemed by State law as traditional public forums and are open on the same terms to any speaker.

On Public Areas, students and faculty may assemble, distribute literature, and engage in spontaneous expressive activity as long as such activity is not unlawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the University. Any person lawfully present on campus in a Public Area may protest or demonstrate there. Protests and demonstrations that infringe upon the constitutional rights of others to engage in or listen to expressive activity by creating a substantial and material disruption to the functioning of the institution or to someone’s expressive activity shall not be permitted. Certain University facilities are made available for reservation. This policy does not apply to University-sponsored activities.

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If an individual or group of individuals attracts a group of 20 or more persons, then a representative from the group is encouraged to contact LSU Police as soon as circumstances reasonably permit. The University reserves the right to direct a group of 20 or more persons to another available Public Area in order to ensure the safety of campus members, to provide for proper crowd control, and to limit disruption of the academic and other operations of the University. Any relocation must not be based on the content or viewpoint of the expression.

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