How to promote safe demonstrations and expressive activities on campus grounds

Time, place, and manner policies should not be interpreted as an opportunity to restrict spontaneous speech or as grounds to confine speech to designated free speech zones.

Review policies that regulate public areas of campus, focusing on high-traffic areas that may need clear guidelines. If extra precautions are needed for certain areas, work within existing policies.

State publicly that the institution is a staunch defender of free speech by explicitly and frequently supporting the speech rights of all. 

Create opportunities for education and dialogue. Campus leaders should promote active and deep listening, and can model this practice by meeting with campus constituents and by responding to any calls for change in a visible, fair, and reasoned manner. 

To ensure shared understanding, educate staff, faculty, and students on the necessary permits, forms, and pre-existing policies surrounding expressive activities on campus.

Consult with campus police on any policy changes for expressive activities. Educate campus police on protest rights.

See Protest and Assembly

Continually review policies. When revising them, consult and reflect the input of staff, faculty, and students.