Disruptions

Ground Rules

Picketing, demonstrations, sit-ins, or student strikes, provided they are conducted in an orderly and non-obstructive manner, are a legitimate mode of expression, whether politically motivated or directed against the college administration, and should not be prohibited.

  1. Demonstrators, however, do not have the right to deprive others of the opportunity to speak or be heard, take hostages, physically obstruct the movement of others, or otherwise disrupt the educational or institutional processes in a way that interferes with the safety or freedom of others.

  2. Students should be free, and no special permission should be required, to distribute pamphlets or collect names for petitions concerned with campus or off-campus issues.

  3. Protests, sit-ins, demonstrations, student strikes, and other forms of expressions also violate the Code of Non-Academic Conduct when they:

    1. Disrupt or obstruct curricular, co-curricular, or administrative/operational activities of the University

    2. Deny the rights of students, faculty, staff, or guests of the University

    3. Inhibit others from moving freely on any part of the University campus, property owned or leased by the University, or to areas where they desire or need to pursue their goals

    4. Disrupt the proper use of University offices or facilities

    5. Endanger the safety of any person on University property

    6. Destroy or damage property

    7. Violate statutory health and safety regulations

LOCATION

Protests, sit-ins, demonstrations, and other forms of expression are prohibited in residential areas or offices assigned to members of the faculty, staff, and students.

SYMBOLIC STRUCTURES

Symbolic structures (e.g., displays, statues, booths, banners, shanties, tents) must be approved by the dean of students according to standard procedures, and must be removed at the conclusion of the approved period.

COSTS

Individuals involved in forms of expression, dissent, and political action may be responsible for costs associated with these activities. Costs that could be incurred include, but are not limited to, repair or replacement of damaged property and additional security costs that are deemed necessary by University officials.

INTERNAL INJUNCTION

The Community Standards Board (CSB) has the power to determine when free expression or an action by an individual or group create conditions that damage the environment necessary for teaching and learning, infringe upon the rights of other individuals, or “otherwise hinder the community in achieving its purpose.” Upon receiving a complaint that a disruption or harassment is in process or imminent, the CSB shall convene to review the complaint.

The CSB has the authority to warn an individual or group that specific conduct or action infringes on the rights of others to an environment that is “free and favorable” for teaching and learning or “hinders the community in achieving its purpose,” and that such conduct or action must cease by a specific deadline. This warning carries the force of an internal injunction, which will remain in effect until superseded by a decision of the vice president for student affairs. If the CSB determines that an internal injunction has been violated, one of its officers will report the violation to the dean of students. The dean of students, in consultation with an officer of the CSB, may impose immediate temporary sanctions that could include an interim suspension of individual students pending a full, formal judicial hearing, which would be held at the earliest opportunity.

INTERIM SUSPENSION

If a student’s continued presence in class or on campus endangers University property, the physical safety or well-being of other members of the University community, affects his/her physical or emotional safety or well-being, or disrupts the educational process of the community, the dean of students (or designee) may invoke an interim suspension. An interim suspension is an immediate temporary suspension from the University pending a judicial hearing.