Policies and Regulations: Freedom of Expression in Outdoor Areas of Campus

Relevant Excerpt

C. "Outdoor areas of campus" means generally accessible areas of the University’s campus in which members of the campus community are commonly allowed, including grassy areas, walkways, or other similar common areas. The term does not include outdoor areas of campus that are dedicated for a specific purpose and/or to which access is restricted. Outdoor areas of campus specifically do not include any buildings or other indoor facilities.

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Outdoor areas of campus are traditional public forums for individuals, organizations, and guest speakers to engage in Expressive Activities subject to reasonable viewpoint- and content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions.  Accordingly, consistent with this regulation and related University regulations, persons or groups wishing to engage in Expressive Activities in outdoor areas of campus may do so freely, spontaneously, and contemporaneously as long as the person’s conduct is lawful and does not materially and substantially interfere with, disrupt, or impede University’s Normal Operation or infringe upon the rights of others to engage in Expressive Activities.  Use of outdoor areas must also be consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, all Board of Governors regulations, and all University regulations, policies, and procedures including, but not limited to the regulations and policies governing commercial speech and activity, distribution of written materials, and use of facilities.

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Large groups, i.e., more than fifty (50) people, engaging in Expressive Activities has the potential of causing material and substantial disruption to the Normal Operation of the University due to increased safety and security risks, increased need for University administrative and University police resources, and the potential for increased noise levels.  Therefore, the group, or its representative, must complete the Event Approval Form by the reservation request deadline published on the Student Union website land submit it to the Director of the Student Union, indicating the date, time, location, and anticipated number of people who will attend the event.  The Event organizer will be informed whether the event can proceed at the date, time, and location desired or whether alternative dates, times, and/or locations on campus for the event are necessary.