Table of Contents
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the freedom to pursue academic and career objectives are maintained at the University of New Haven.
The University of New Haven is a community where ideas and opinions are formulated and exchanged in a manner congruent with the values espoused in our Charger Compact. Each community member has the right of free expression, to pursue their academic and career objectives without unreasonable obstruction or hindrance, and, to communicate their views on current issues, by peaceful, lawful demonstration and protest.
Individuals who choose to exercise their rights of freedom of speech and public assembly must understand that these rights come with expectations for behavior. When an individual or group's conduct endangers the safety of others or disrupts University operations, it loses constitutional protection and may become a violation of law or the Student Code of Conduct .
The use of University premises to share ideas and opinions does not imply acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed.
It is the responsibility of the event organizers to communicate these policy guidelines and expectations for behavior to all participants prior to the event.
In an effort to ensure the safety of the campus community and promote an environment conducive to study, individuals or groups affiliated with the University are required to make an advanced reservation for gatherings and/or demonstrations that are:
- organized and/or promoted in advance,
- sponsored by a student organization, or
- an assembly of one or more community members with a common intent or cause.
A member of the University of New Haven community must be designated organizer/liaison for the event and must meet with the Dean of Students or designee and the University Police Chief or designee to coordinate and set parameters for the event at least 48 hours prior to the event.
The individual or group hosting such an event must reserve the location where the event will occur in accordance with the normal facilities use policy of the Office of the Associate Vice President for Facilities.
The University recognizes there may be occasions that do not permit the submission of a reservation 48 hours in advance of a demonstration or assembly. Such spontaneous demonstrations or assemblies in response to emergent situations where advance planning is not possible are permitted, but are limited in location to:
- Maxcy Quad Circle
- Bixler/Gerber Quad in compliance with quiet hour guidelines
Any individual, group or organization calling for or organizing such a demonstration or assembly must notify the Office of the Dean of Students and University Police immediately, and comply with the guidelines and expectations set forth in this policy.
Orderly, nonviolent, and non-disruptive picketing and other forms of peaceful protest are permitted on University premises.
Demonstrators do not have the right to deprive others of the opportunity to speak or be heard, physically obstruct the movement of others, intimidate by physical proximity, or otherwise disrupt the educational or institutional processes in a way that interferes with the safety or freedom of others.
Noise levels shall not disrupt ongoing University activities that are within the proximity of the event.
If an event is disrupted by an expressive group or individual, the University Police Chief or designee may request the action to stop or ask the person or group to leave the event and move to another location for the purposes of protest.
Placards, banners, and signs are permitted but shall not be utilized in a manner that endangers the safety of or impedes the participation or free movement of others or, disrupts University operations.
Behaviors which violate the Student Code of Conduct may be referred for disciplinary action. Such behaviors may also result in criminal charges.
Individuals and organizations engaged in expressive activity on campus may be required to relocate to another area by the Dean of Students or designee, or when immediate action is necessary by the University police department, under the following circumstances:
- the location does not safely accommodate the number of participants,
- the number of individuals participating in or attending the activity creates unsafe conditions for vehicular or pedestrian traffic, parking, or blocks the ingress or egress to buildings or official University activities,
- noise levels are deemed to be disruptive to ongoing University activities which are within the proximity of the event,
- severe weather is predicted or taking place that would endanger the safety of the participants,
- the activity creates a health or welfare hazard, such as interfering with fire, police, or emergency services.
A protest, demonstration, or event on campus may invite another form of protest. When such occasions arise, the right to peaceful expression of all parties is important. A separate protest area may be designated by University authorities such as the Dean of Students or designee or University Police for those persons with views that differ from the views held by event organizers. Appropriate measures may be taken by University officials to ensure the safety of all participants.
|