Public Assembly Policy

Policy Category	Issuing Authority	Responsibility	Publication Date	Next Review Date
Administrative	President	Enterprise Risk Management	4/10/2023	4/10/2026

Policy Statement/Background:

None

Policy:

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 concurrent obligation to maintain a campus atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits and respect for the rights of all individuals. Individuals engaged in assemblies, demonstrations, and similar expressions of First Amendment rights (herein referred to generically as "assemblies") may not infringe on the rights of others or disrupt essential operations of the University. While exercising the right to public assembly, the Code of Student Responsibility and all other University policies remain in effect.

Conducting Orderly Assemblies

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

Prevent the orderly conduct of a University function or activity, such as lectures, meetings, interviews, ceremonies, and other public events.
Obstruct the free movement of vehicles or of persons, including, but not limited to in any building or facility, inclusive of blocking hallways and doors. If a protest area is established by a University official(s), protesters are required to comply with these physical boundaries.
Willfully cause injury or damage to persons or property.
Willfully operate audio amplification equipment in a manner that conflicts with normal University operations or that is deemed injurious to health and safety.
Jeopardize the safety and security of others, including, but not limited to, the presence of sticks, poles, or torches, which are prohibited.
Without authorization from the University Police, occupy a building after it is normally closed.
Without authorization from the Office of Campus Operations and Maintenance, construct structures, inclusive of objects requiring penetration in concrete or grass, or camp on University grounds.
Violate the provisions of the SUNY Policy 3653, titled Rules for Maintenance of Public Order.

Sponsors/organizers must restore the site to its original condition. If such restoration is not completed to the satisfaction of the University, the sponsor/organizer shall be held responsible for and liable to the University for payment of any and all costs incurred by the University to restore the site to its original condition.

Procedures:

Services for Planned Assemblies

To ensure the safety of participants and the protection of the rights of all members of the campus community, the University may provide services such as location, safety, crowd control, sound equipment, site preparation/cleanup, and/or other such facilities or services it deems necessary ("Services").

Request for Services. Assemblies for which sponsors anticipate that Services may be necessary, should, within a reasonable length of time prior to the planned event, notify:
- Recognized Student Clubs and Organizations: Department of Student Engagement & Activities, Student Activities Center, Room 219, Phone: (631) 632-9392

- Labor/Union Groups: Office of Employee and Labor Relations:

West Campus and Health Sciences Center
291A Administration Building
Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 632-6140

Stony Brook University Hospital
HSC Level 3, Room 040
Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 444-3780

Long Island State Veterans Home (LISVH)
100 Patriots Road
Stony Brook, NY 11790
(631) 444-8617

- All Other Groups or Individuals: Conference Services, Charles B. Wang Center, Suite 302, Phone: (631) 632-6320

A response to the request for Services and an estimate of established fees or charges will be communicated to the sponsor/organizer within a reasonable amount of time after receipt of the written request and prior to the date of the assembly.

No Services Requested. Assemblies requiring no Services may take place without any prior notification by the sponsors and/or organizers. However, conformity with specific campus regulations noted above, is required. If you are unsure of whether your assembly requires Services, you may contact the appropriate office (designated above) for guidance.

Outside Sponsored Groups

In addition to the foregoing, use of campus facilities (space) by outside sponsored groups requires a Revocable Permit and must be coordinated through the Office of Finance & Administration.

Definitions: