Interim University Policy for Safe Demonstrations

Relevant Excerpt

To that end, and in order to facilitate the safe conduct of Demonstrations (defined as a group of people coming together in an event of public expression) on campus, the University has adopted the regulations set forth below.

1. The University will designate spaces (“Demonstration Areas”) that will be available on each of its campuses for Demonstrations from 12:00 to 6:00 pm on Monday-Friday (“Regular Demonstration Times”) when classes are in session (does not include reading days or exam periods) in a manner that does not disrupt University matters and subject to the Rules. Any such designation will take account of the importance of providing prominent and central locations for Demonstrations. On the Morningside campus, for example, the designated Demonstration Area will typically be South Field East, South Field West, or the Sundial area. Demonstrations may not be advertised before registration is confirmed.
   
   In order to ensure safety and limit potential interference with normal University activities, Demonstrations will not be permitted in University areas outside of the Demonstration Areas, except as provided in the following paragraph.
   
   Approval for Demonstrations outside the Demonstration Areas and/or the times above may be sought using the registration form and giving detailed information regarding the need for an exception. 
    
2. Two working days’ advance registration is required for any Demonstration to ensure the safety of the University community. Click here to register your event. The registration form closes at 4 pm Monday through Friday. If more than one group or individual(s) seeks registration for a Demonstration Area at the same time, the second group or individual(s) will be required to use another Demonstration Area or register for a different time. The University may take appropriate action to ensure that counter protests remain separated. A calendar of registered Demonstrations will be available on the Event Management System website.
   
   The University’s Vigil Policy will apply to vigils and similar events.
    
3. The University may not deny registration or approval of an exception for any Demonstration based on the viewpoint of the individual or group seeking to hold the Demonstration.  The University will also ensure that all Demonstration requests taking place in the dedicated Demonstration Areas during Regular Demonstration Times will be approved within one working day unless there is a significant, justifiable, and verifiable threat or unmanageable safety concern. The elements that would lead to a refusal must be provided within one working day to the party that requested a Demonstration registration.
    
4. Demonstrations that are not registered or go beyond the registered Demonstration Area or reserved time will violate this policy.  Advertising of Demonstrations prior to a confirmed registration is also a violation.

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This Interim Policy was adopted by the administration in consultation with the Executive Committee of the University Senate and is subject to review and modification based on experience, to take place no later than the close of the Spring 2024 semester. Members of the community should be mindful of other University-wide and school-specific policies and practices, including the University’s antidiscrimination policies, which may apply.