2024-2025 Student Handbook

Suffolk University Principles and Policies Regarding Freedom of Expression: Demonstrations, Protests and Organized Expressions of Opinion

Subject to the foregoing principles, Suffolk University has adopted the following additional policies and procedures that have some relationship to freedom of expression for on-campus Demonstrations, Protests and Organized Expressions of Opinion. I. General Policy. The University is committed to providing its community of students, faculty and staff members with a forum for the lawful, non-disruptive expression and discussion of diverse points of view, even when those expressions or discussions are controversial. The p urpose of the Policy is to explain Suffolk University’s approach to facilitating lawful demonstrations, protests, and organized expressions of opinion that are non-disruptive and comply with this Policy. The Policy establishes clear guidelines for authorized on-campus activities in order to uphold a conductive learning environment, ensure the safety of the University community, and safeguard University Property. Additionally, this Policy addresses unauthorized events; outlines the process for seeking permission to hold on-campus Demonstrations, Protests, and Organized Expressions of Opinion; and institutes a Demonstration Review Committee tasked with evaluating requests. II. Authorized On-Campus Demonstrations, Protests and Organized Expressions of Opinion. Members of the Suffolk community are permitted to organize group expressions of opinion or hold demonstrations and protests on campus (including demonstrations or protests in opposition to another approved activity or protest) so long as these activities do not violate local, state, or federal laws and regulations do not disrupt University functions, do not impede access to any part of the campus, and comply with this policy and other applicable University policies and codes of conduct. Demonstrations should be conducted in a manner which does not interfere with the maintenance of an environment conducive to learning, the protection of the safety of the campus and community, and the preservation of University Property. Conduct that may not comply with these requirements includes but is not limited to demonstrations that: • prevent or disrupt university functions or activities, such as classes, lectures, meetings, ceremonies, performances, other events, or the conduct of university business on University Property • obstruct the movement of any person or vehicle on University Property or access to any university building • be within 100 feet of or otherwise disrupt another demonstration • violate the law • be harassing in a manner that is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies another person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University ’s programs and activities • pose a risk to public health or public safety • use or threaten the use of force against an individual • deface or damage University Property or personal property • leave items on University Property, which results in an unreasonable cost to the University, or creates a danger to public health, safety and welfare • involve burning objects or combustible substances • involve the construction or placement of permanent or temporary structures on University-owned property • use sound amplification equipment • involve animals other than Service Animals consistent with University policy. While the University supports students, faculty and staff expression or organized demonstrations -- both within the University Campus and off-campus -- students, faculty and staff should take reasonable efforts to make it clear both in their written materials and at their events that they are speaking as individuals and not

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