Free Speech, Peaceful Dissent, Protests and Demonstrations Rights and Responsibilities

Relevant Excerpt

In accordance with the University of Southern Indiana’s obligation to allow the free expression of all views, the campus is open to any speaker whom University student organizations, administrators, staff, or faculty members have invited and for whom official arrangements to speak have been made with the University. 

The right of free speech at the University also includes the right of individuals and groups affiliated with the University and members of the public not affiliated with the University to participate in acts of peaceful dissent, protests in peaceable assembly and orderly demonstrations on the USI campus. However, the University may regulate the time, place and manner in order to prevent unreasonable interference or disruption of the University’s educational, research, outreach and business functions, normal or scheduled uses of University property by the campus community, as well as protecting public health, safety and welfare. 

All individuals and groups affiliated with the University and planning to engage in dissent, protest, or demonstration activities of the sort described in the previous paragraph should contact the Dean of Students Office for details and to reserve space at least 72 hours (3 business days) in advance. University community members are given priority for reserving campus spaces. This request gives the University the opportunity to provide space that accommodates the reasonable needs of both those engaged in dissent, protest, or demonstration activities and the University community. Members of the public not affiliated with the University must register with the Dean of Students Office prior to engaging in dissent, protest, or demonstration activities on the USI campus. 

The following locations on the USI campus accommodate the reasonable needs of the University and are available for dissent, protest, or demonstration activities by members of the public, individuals and groups affiliated with USI and guests:  

• the lawn area south of Rice Library 
• the lawn in the northwest corner of the quad 
• the lawn steps west of Rice Library 

In addition, other areas of the University campus may be utilized for dissent, protest, or demonstration activities if they meet the following general conditions of use:  

• Activities may not be conducted in a manner that violates any federal, state or local law. 
• Activities may not be conducted in a manner or at a time or place that is either incompatible with or unreasonably interferes with the educational, research, business or other legitimate functions of the University. This includes but is not limited to amplified sound and activities must occur between dawn and dusk.  
• Activities may not be conducted in a manner that violates the rules, regulations, or policies of the University of Southern Indiana including Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior (Section 6). 
• Activities may not be conducted in a manner that violates applicable fire or safety regulations. 
• Activities may not disrupt academic activity, block egress (i.e. block safe access to exits and entrances, hallways, sidewalks, streets etc.) or pose a threat to the personal safety of community members. 

All signs, symbols or structures must be removed from the USI campus at the end of the gathering. All gatherings must end by dusk and cannot begin before dawn. Overnight camping or residing in ad hoc structure overnight are not permited on the USI campus. 

Violations of these policies may result in removal from a location or the USI campus, appropriate disciplinary action and/or arrest, in accordance with applicable law and University policies and procedures.