Expressive Activity: Procedures

Relevant Excerpt

A. Requests for Use of Designated University Forum or Designated Public Forum 

1. Requests for use of a designated forum should be submitted at least three (3) days prior to the anticipated Expressive Activity. 

2. Members of the public, faculty, staff and individual students may request space on campus by visiting Student Conferences & Services and clicking on “Request an event.” Recognized student clubs and organizations can reserve space by completing their reservations on their student portal, CORE. 

3. Requests should include the time, date, and duration of the proposed event along with the reasonably expected number of attendees or participants. 

B. Denial of Request for Use of a Designated University Forum or Designated Public Forum 

1. A request for use of a designated forum may be denied for the following reasons: a. Violation(s) of the conditions of use in this policy; b. Unavailability because of a preexisting reservation or similar conflict; or c. Scheduled maintenance or repair of the property;

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EXCEPTIONS TO THE GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES 

A. Small Group Exception 

The University encourages University Community Members to use the aforementioned procedure for reserving a space on campus. However, Expressive Activities involving ten (10) or fewer University Community Members or Invited Guests, collectively, may occur in both Designated University Forums or Designated Public Forums without advance notice as required in this policy, provided that such activities do not result in violations of this policy or other laws or campus policies, including, but not limited to, interference with functions that occupy a given space.

B. Spontaneous Expression 

1. University Community Without prior notice, University Community Members and Invited Guests may assemble and engage in Spontaneous Expressive Activity in Designated Public Forums. Except for the notice provision, all other aspects of this policy apply to spontaneous expression. The University encourages University Community Members to provide advance notice to the Smith Center and Conference Services, so that the University may provide guidance in scheduling and planning to ensure a safe and successful event, and may assist the Speaker in identifying alternative locations if the desired location is already reserved in a manner consistent with this policy. 

2. General Public Without prior notice, the General Public may assemble and engage in Spontaneous Expressive Activity in Designated Public Forums. Except for the notice provision, all other aspects of this policy apply to spontaneous expression. 

3. Dissenters, Counter-Speakers, and Protesters Dissenters, counter-speakers, and protesters have the same speech rights as those who are conducting or attending a planned meeting or Expressive Activity. This provision should not be construed to establish a "hecklers' veto." If University Community Members, Invited Guests, or members of the General Public Materially and Substantially disrupt the Expressive Activities of others, then they are subject to the sanctions referenced in this policy.