P107R

PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

Dated: January 12^th, 1996

Issued by:

Office of the President

Approved:

May, 1990

Revised:

April, 1992

Free speech and peaceful assembly are rights of citizens and are fundamental to the University as a center for open inquiry in the search for knowledge and insight. The University is strongly committed to the protection of these rights for all members of the campus community. However, these rights bring with them a con- current obligation to maintain a campus atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits and respect for the rights of all individuals. Assemblies, demonstrations, and similar expressions of First Amendment rights (herein referred to generically as "demonstrations") may not infringe on the rights of others or disrupt essential operations of the University.

Procedures:

NOTIFICATION FOR PLANNED DEMONSTRATIONS

To ensure the safety of participants and the protection of the rights of all members of the campus community, the University makes reasonable provision for the exercise of free expression on campus property. Demonstrations requiring no special accommodation for location, safety, crowd control, sound equipment, site preparation, cleanup and/or other university services may take place without any prior notification by the sponsors and/or organizers. However, conformity with specific campus regulations, as noted below, is required.

Demonstrations for which sponsors anticipate that special accommodations may be necessary require the submission of a written notification by the sponsors/organizers to the Department of Public Safety within a reasonable length of time prior to the planned event. Examples of such accommodations include crowd control, audio amplification equipment, site preparation/ cleanup, and any other facilities or services. Fees and charges in accordance with established rates will be billed to the sponsors to reimburse the campus for related costs.

Approval or disapproval and an estimate of any fees or charges will be communicated by the President or designee within 24 hours of receipt of the written notification. Sponsors/organizers are required to conform to campus regulations.

CONDUCTING ORDERLY DEMONSTRATIONS

The University will not interfere with orderly demonstrations in public areas of grounds and buildings unless demonstrators:

1. Violate the provisions of the Trustees' Rules for Maintenance of Public Order.
2. Prevent the orderly conduct of a University function or activity, such as lectures, meetings, interviews, ceremonies, and other public events.
3. Obstruct the free movement of vehicles or of persons in any building or facility.
4. Willfully cause injury or damage to persons or property.
5. Willfully operate audio amplification equipment in a manner that conflicts with normal University operations or that is deemed injurious to health and safety.
6. Jeopardize the safety and security of demonstrators and/or spectators.
7. Without authorization, occupy a building after it is normally closed.
8. Without authorization, construct structures or camp on University grounds.
9. Without authorization, position and display signs, staging or other materials continuously for more than 72 hours.

Inquiries/Request:

Department of Public Safety
Room 162, Duchess Hall
(631) 632-6350

Related Documents:

• Trustees' Rules for Maintenance of Public Order: Student Handbook
• University Policy on Maintenance of University Facilities by Non-Commercial Organizations, Board of Trustees, June 27, 1979, and Amendments (T-79-158; PM 008)

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