Rutgers Policy 50.3.5: Disruptions: Administrative Policy and Response

Relevant Excerpt

The primary function of an academic community is to discover and disseminate knowledge through research and teaching. Freedom of expression is vital to our shared goal of pursuit of knowledge. Such freedom comes with a responsibility to welcome and promote this freedom, even in disagreement or opposition. Community members are therefore encouraged to register dissent for issues and demonstrate that dissent through orderly means.

The right to freedom of expression includes peaceful protests and orderly demonstrations. However, the right to protest does not include the right to engage in conduct that intentionally or recklessly interferes with the University’s operations or infringes on the rights of other members of the community. Faculty, students, and all other personnel who intentionally act to impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the University may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by University authorities.

With this in mind, the following administrative procedures have been formulated to guide the implementation of university policy:

A. In order to ensure that individuals or groups not intentionally or recklessly interfere with the operation of the University or the rights of others, they shall not:
1. obstruct vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, or other traffic;
2. obstruct entrances or exits to buildings or driveways;
3. interfere with educational activities inside or outside any building;
4. harass passersby;
5. interfere with or preclude a scheduled speaker from being heard;
6. interfere with scheduled University ceremonies or events;
7. damage property, including lawns, shrubs, or trees; or
8. engage in any other activities that disrupt university business or infringe upon the rights of others.