Demonstration and Public Protest Policy (Policy 79)

Purpose

Consistent with principles of academic freedom and academic responsibility outlined in the Governors State University Board of Trustees Governing Policies, the purpose of this policy is to provide necessary resources to support the exercise of constitutional rights provided by the First Amendment. Additionally, this policy is intended to provide for the safety of all persons and property associated with the planned or spontaneous acts of demonstration or protest. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the lawful demonstration of recognized collective bargaining units.

1. Demonstrations and Public Protests: For the purpose of this policy, “demonstrations and public protests” shall refer to actions by groups of people that can include, but are not limited to, demonstrations, marches, spontaneous or planned protests, and vigils on the main campus of Governors State University. Demonstrations and public protests are considered “events,” whether spontaneous or planned, and are additionally guided by the facilities use procedures of Governors State University. 

   The use of the indoor and outdoor areas of campus for normal academic activities, including lessons about public protests and demonstrations, shall not be considered demonstrations and public protests under this policy but shall be guided by the facilities use procedures and appropriate academic policies.

2. Registered Demonstrations: For the purpose of this policy, registered demonstrations shall refer to demonstrations and public protests, which have been registered in advance with the University Events Office.
3. Non-Registered or Spontaneous Demonstrations: for the purpose of this policy, Non Registered or Spontaneous Demonstrations shall refer to demonstrations and public protests, which have not been registered in advance with the University Events Office.

Registered Demonstrations

Organizers of demonstrations and public protests are encouraged to seek registration of their events at least two (2) business days in advance by notifying the University Events Office (universityevents@govst.edu) and following the office’s instructions. The University Events Office shall develop reasonable and appropriate procedures for the registration of such events, including required notification of other university offices as appropriate (including the Department of Public Safety, Facilities Office, Office of the Vice President for Students, and Office of the Provost), and shall develop standards for evaluating requests for waivers of the restrictions listed below. These procedures, along with any required forms, will be made available to individuals seeking registration. They will also be made available upon request to any member of the university community. Following successful completion of the procedures, the University Events Office will verify the registration status of the event and notify organizers and affected university offices. 

The University Events Office shall assign space according to the following order of preference: 

1. GovState Academic Classes 
2. GovState Academic related activities 
3. GovState group sponsored activities 
4. Non-GovState group activities that support the institution’s mission 
5. Non-GovState group activities

Non-Registered or Spontaneous Demonstrations

The University welcomes demonstrations and public protests without prior registration so long as all participants comply with all other terms of this policy. Organizers and participants at small spontaneous events are encouraged to select one of the following locations for the event, but spontaneous events which involve larger groups shall be limited to these locations. The Department of Public Safety will hold authority for determining the appropriate size of an event for specific campus locations. 

1. The Columbus Carillon Area (Bell Tower), immediately south of the University’s Main Entrance (D Building) between parking lot East 1 and parking lot West 1. 
2. GovState Main Entrance (D Building) sidewalk, at least 25 feet from the doorway, from the eastern limit of D Building to the eastern limit of C Building. 
3. GMT Building, outside sidewalk between roadway/parking Lot West 2 and GMT main entrance 
4. D-Building Atrium (between main entrance and the Hall of Governors entrance)

Restrictions

Unless a waiver is obtained at the time of registration, demonstrations and public protests may not: 

1. Take place outside of the University’s hours of operation 
2. Create a volume of noise that significantly disrupts normal academic activities 
3. Significantly disrupt other scheduled campus events 
4. Obstruct any entrances or exits 
5. Obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic 
6. Affix items to permanent structures 
7. Include camping or the use of temporary shelters (e.g., tents) 
8. Use open flame.

Demonstrations and public protests may not: 

1. Use open flame in indoor locations 
2. Destroy, damage, or deface University property 
3. Represent a threat to public safety

Procedures for Handling Non-Compliant Demonstrations

The Chief of Police, in consultation with the Dean of Students and other appropriate university offices, will determine the point at which a demonstration is in violation of this policy. If the situation permits, an appropriate university official (including but not limited to the Dean of Students) will inform the participants that they must discontinue their disruptive activities, explaining which activities are in violation of this Policy, and will advise them to continue the event in a manner that complies with this policy. If the disruption continues, appropriate action will be taken, including police action. An immediate physical threat to persons and/or property may require immediate police action. 

Members of the community who violate University policy may be subject to disciplinary and/or criminal sanction (more information for students can be found in the Student Code of Conduct.). Visitors who violate University policy, including this Policy or the law, may be subject to removal from University property and/or criminal sanction.

Acknowledgements:

The University acknowledges and credits documents from the following universities in the development of this document: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and University of Illinois at Chicago.