The purpose of this policy is to set forth directives for civil protests and peaceful demonstrations by Stevenson University students and employees. Such protests and demonstrations must be properly planned in advance and follow the directives within this policy. As a private institution, the University reserves the right to restrict access to and/or remove any person from campus property at any time if this policy is violated.
Any student, employee, or University organization or club seeking to organize, schedule, or plan a civil protest or peaceful demonstration is required to submit an application form to the Office for Student Life and Leadership to begin the approval process at least two weeks prior to the desired date of the activity. This is to ensure the safety of the event. Events that are not approved in advance will be dispersed. Employees should not participate in protests or demonstrations while on work time.
Prohibited acts during civil protests or peaceful demonstrations include but are not limited to:
- Obstructing the free movement of persons and vehicles in any way;
- Disrupting or preventing the peaceful and orderly conduct of classes, lectures, events, and/or meetings, or interfering with any other person’s ability to express their views, including invited speakers;
- Entering and/or remaining in any building or facility for any purpose other than its authorized use, remaining in any building or facility after it is normally closed, or refusing to leave any building or facility after being asked to do so by a University official or any other authorized official;
- Displaying items on residence halls or other campus buildings or windows such that they are visible to passers-by;
- Violating any University policies or federal, state, or local laws;
- Behaving in a way that causes harm or has the likelihood to cause physical harm or impact the safety of others
- Using amplified sound devices such as bullhorns, PA systems, or air horns without prior approval;
- Fabricating signs or placards out of materials other than paper or cardboard, or affixing signs or placards to poles or sticks.
- Engaging in such activities between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.; or
- Engaging in such activities within 100 feet of any residence hall, office building, or classroom building.
Scope of this policy
This policy applies to all members of the University community. Nothing in this policy is intended to interfere with a faculty member’s right to academic freedom as defined in the University’s Faculty Rights and Responsibilities policy or the American Association of University Professors’ 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure.