Policy Name: Public Speech Activities Policy |
Date Approved: December 13, 2002 |
Policy Category: University Board of Governors - University Operation |
Date Effective: December 13, 2002 |
Policy Number: 1.2.160 |
Date Last Revised: February 12, 2016 |
Approval Authority: University Board of Governors |
Review Cycle: |
Responsible Department: |
|
The freedom to assemble and exchange views is an essential component of the education process. This policy is intended to clarify the rights and responsibilities of the University of Central Missouri, members of the university community, visitors and guests regarding public speech activities.
Note: For the purposes of this policy “public speech activities” may include demonstrations (individual or collective), picketing, distribution of leaflets/publications, sit-ins, marches, mass gatherings and all other similar gatherings.
A. The University of Central Missouri will take all reasonable steps to ensure that
the campus is free from material and substantial disruptions to the functioning of
the institution.
B. Members of the university community, visitors and guests will engage in the exercise
of public speech activities without engaging in conduct that constitutes harassment
or discrimination as defined in applicable University policies, that is otherwise
prohibited by law, or that materially and substantially disrupts the functioning of
the institution.
C. Members of the university community, visitors and/or guests planning a public speech
activity will give prior notice to university officials in accordance with the procedures
established in Section III of this policy. University officials must be given an opportunity
to determine if the functions of the institution will be materially and substantially
disrupted by the planned activity. In turn, university officials will work with activity
organizers to relocate or otherwise modify the planned activity before a disruption
occurs.
D. The university may deny permission for a public speech activity (or may regulate
or cancel an ongoing public speech activity) if it materially and substantially disrupts
the functioning of the institution, or involves conduct that constitutes harassment
or discrimination as defined in applicable University policies, or that is otherwise
prohibited by law.
E. Public speech activities may not:
F. The University may restrict the time, place, and manner of such assemblies in service
of a significant institutional interest.
G. Students, faculty and staff are subject to law, ordinances and university policies
when they engage in public speech activities, and violations will be addressed through
university and/or law enforcement forums. Visitors and guests are subject to law and
local ordinances and will be subject to university policies when using university
facilities.
H. The authority to make decisions on behalf of the university regarding compliance
or noncompliance with this policy, and the authority to make exceptions to this policy,
rest with the director of public safety. This official may also consult with officials
in the division of student experience and engagement when making decisions regarding
issues addressed in this policy. Decisions of the director of public safety pursuant
to this policy shall be immediately appealable to the president.
Approved by the Board of Governors on December 13, 2002
Formatting updated on August 1, 2007
Revised and approved by the Board of Governors on February 12, 2016