Facility and Grounds Use Policy

Relevant Excerpt

Spontaneous Speech

For University affiliates, all generally accessible outdoor areas of the University campus where members of the campus community are commonly allowed are open for expressive activities [5] except for the following:  

• Areas within fifty (50) feet of academic buildings (between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.); and
• Areas within fifty (50) feet of residential housing buildings (between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.)[6]

Reservations for spontaneous or contemporaneous protected expressive activities are not required for members of University affiliates but are strongly encouraged. Priority for use of the space will be given, first to those with reservations and then on a first-come, first-serve basis based on the order in which the University receives notice.  A limit of time may be imposed, or the exhibit or demonstration may be relocated by the University, if a reservation has already been made for the desired space and time. Although reservations are not required for spontaneous or contemporaneous protected expressive activities, UA requests that University affiliates notify the University by sending an email to groundspermits@ua.edu with the following information:

1. Contact information for the event organizer (e.g. name, cellphone number, e-mail, etc.);
2. Which areas of campus will be utilized;
3. The time the activity is expected to begin and end; and 
4. A general description of the activity.

University affiliates' use of the generally accessible outdoor areas of the University campus for spontaneous or contemporaneous protected expressive activities may be denied for the following reasons:

1. The space is already reserved for another event;
2. The activity will attract a crowd larger than the venue can safely contain;
3. The activity will significantly and substantially disrupt University operations (including classes);
4. The activity is a clear and present danger to public safety; or
5. The activity is unlawful.