2024-2025 Student Handbook

*Organizers should be aware that, under Massachusetts law, a police department having advance knowledge of a planned mass demonstration shall attempt in good faith to communicate with organizers of the event to discuss logistical plans, strategies to avoid conflict and potential communication needs between police and event participants. Please be aware that upon receipt of this request form, during the period of review, the Suffolk University Police & Security Department may contact you regarding your event. Appeal: If an event is refused permission by the Demonstration Review Committee, organizers may appeal this determination in writing to the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee (for students requesting an appeal), Provost or designee (for faculty requesting an appeal), or Chief Human Resources Officer or designee (for staff requesting an appeal). Appeals must be based on one or more of the following grounds: That the denial of a request to hold an event was (a) arbitrary and capricious, or (b) based on the viewpoints of the organizer(s); or That the time, place and manner conditions required for the event are unnecessarily burdensome. The decision on the appeal shall be final and is not subject to further review.

VII. Definitions and Terms.

“ Demonstrations, Protests and Organized Expressions of Opinion ”” means an event that occurs on University Property that is not organized by the University in which members of the University community gather to raise awareness about, or express a viewpoint on, an issue or cause. Demonstrations include, but are not limited to, events such as assemblies, marches, memorials, parades, picketing, leafletting, signature gathering, rallies, and sit-ins. Demonstrations also include counterdemonstrations, and may occur in online as well as physical forums.

“Suffolk community” is defined as current students, faculty, and staff members of the University.

“University Property” is defined as property owned or leased by the University, event venues rented by the University, and virtual platforms provided by the University.

“Demonstration Review Committee” is the composed of a representative from the Office of Public Affairs, Office of the Provost, Office of Emergency Management, Suffolk University Police Department, and Office of Student Affairs, or their respective designee.

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