Demonstration Policy

Policy Statement

This policy sets forth core principles and standards for governing campus demonstrations at Adelphi University.

Reason for Policy

The University sees its obligation to facilitate peaceful demonstrations in all ways possible, support personal safety, and enable necessary University activities to be free from unreasonable disruption.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

Faculty, Staff, Students, and external guests.

Policy

Adelphi’s Commitment to an Educational Environment and Freedom of Expression

Adelphi University’s mission is to transform the lives of all students by creating a distinctive environment of intellectual rigor, research, creativity, and deep community engagement. In alignment with its mission, Adelphi University is committed to creating an educational environment in which a variety of ideas can be reasonably proposed and critically examined. The University has developed procedures and policies to support its mission and each community member’s freedom of expression.

Freedom of expression is vital to our shared goal of the pursuit of knowledge. Such freedom comes with a responsibility to welcome and promote this freedom for all, even in disagreement or opposition. The right of freedom of expression at Adelphi University includes peaceful demonstrations. At the same time, the University has long recognized that the right to demonstrate does not include the right to engage in conduct that disrupts the University’s operations, endangers the safety of others, or violates any other university policies.

Rationale for this Policy

The University sees its obligation to facilitate peaceful demonstrations in all ways possible, support personal safety, and enable necessary University activities to be free from unreasonable disruption.

Who Can Organize a Demonstration or Protest?

Any Adelphi student, faculty, staff member, a recognized Adelphi student organization, or a group of Adelphi students may organize a peaceful demonstration. A currently registered Adelphi student(s) or a current faculty/staff employee must be designated as the organizer(s)/liaison(s) of the demonstration.

Advance Arrangements

Organizers of a demonstration should make advance arrangements with the Division of Student Affairs. A Demonstration Reservation Form is available through eCampus. Advance registration allows staff from the Division of Student Affairs and Public Safety to assist organizers in:

1. supporting organizers in implementing a successful demonstration;
2. supporting participants’ safety; and
3. making plans that do not disrupt the normal functioning of the University.

The Demonstration Reservation Form should be submitted to the Dean of Students at least 48 business hours (weekends are not considered business hours) before the event’s start to facilitate the demonstration’s successful implementation. Successful reservation of an event may be contingent upon available facilities and University support services and therefore could require an alternate date(s) or location. Demonstration organizers should not advertise an event until the event details have been coordinated with Student Affairs and Public Safety.

The organizer should provide as much notice as possible to allow the University to take the steps necessary to facilitate the demonstration, protect safety, and enable the normal functioning of the University. Should space, staffing, or security be unavailable for the requested time frame, the demonstration may be denied, asked to relocate, and/or asked to reschedule the intended date. Such decisions and/or approvals shall be at the sole discretion of the University.

Due to inherent safety issues and disruption to University operations, demonstrations inside University facilities are not permitted. For events occurring on municipal sidewalks and streets adjacent to the University, organizers should make appropriate arrangements to acquire municipal permits and adhere to municipal ordinances and applicable state and federal law. Registration of a campus demonstration by the University does not imply acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed.

A student organization’s faculty/staff advisor or their designee must attend a demonstration held by that student organization.

Preferred Demonstration Locations

Due to their central location and ability to accommodate gatherings of different sizes, the following areas have been designated as preferred demonstration locations. Every effort will be made to enable demonstrations at the primary location.

1. Swirbul Plaza (Primary)
2. Flagpole Lawn
3. Levermore Lawn
4. University Center Plaza

As the above locations are not designated solely for demonstrations, making advance arrangements, as indicated above, is critical to finding a time and place for the desired demonstration that will meet the needs of the participants and not interfere with other groups that may have previously reserved the space. Organizers should specify their preferred demonstration location(s) on the Demonstration Reservation Form.

Taking over space can be disruptive and may unfairly limit access for others. To support safety and fair access, occupying space will not be permitted. Free speech is a cornerstone value; however, it does not extend to actions that create a clear and present danger or significantly disrupt access and safety for others. If you wish to express dissent, please consider doing so in a time, place, and manner that complies with all policies. In cases where occupying space creates a clear and present danger or other hazards (e.g., blocking emergency exits, use of tents, or use of sleeping bags), appropriate measures will be taken to ensure safety.

Counter-demonstration

A demonstration or related event on campus may invite other forms of demonstrations. When these occasions arise, the freedom of expression of all parties is important. Please note that the Department of Public Safety may designate a separate demonstration area for those persons with views that differ from those held by the initial organizers. To support the safety of all participants, the University will assign Public Safety staff to be present at all demonstrations.

What Is Not Permitted

It is expected that in planning and conducting a demonstration, the organizers and participants will observe regulations pertaining to the use of campus facilities and outdoor spaces, as well as policies listed in the Code of Conduct, the Emergency Operations Plan (requires eCampus login), and other University policy documents. Whether in a reserved location or anywhere else on campus, participants in demonstrations:

1. Are not permitted to physically hinder entrances to, exits from, or passageways within any University building or other structure or hinder the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic into or on the campus.
2. Are not permitted to erect encampments (e.g., use of tents or other structures) in order to preserve free access, utilization and safety of the campus.
3. Are not permitted to create a volume of noise that prevents University community members from performing their normal campus activities. Amplified sound (e.g., bullhorns) may not permitted outside should it interfere with the activities of the University community.
4. Are not permitted to use placards, banners, signs or other materials which are deemed by the University to be dangerous (such as signs affixed to wooden sticks or metal poles) or impede the participation of others in the life of the University. University officials may require the individuals carrying such materials to move to a different location or remove their materials.
5. Are not permitted to employ force or violence or constitute an immediate threat of force or violence against persons or property.
6. Are not permitted to violate any other University policy or engage in any prohibited behavior as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Compliance with this Policy

It is the responsibility of the demonstration organizer and sponsoring organization leadership to educate participants about this policy and other applicable University policies and to report any disorderly conduct to Public Safety immediately. For example, as expected at all times on University property, all persons are expected to provide a university-issued identification card upon request from a University official.

Not complying with this policy or reasonable instructions provided by Public Safety or other University officials prior to or during a campus demonstration may result in the demonstration being canceled or dispersed and/or conduct charges being made against those failing to comply with University policy.

The University may collaborate with law enforcement and other officials to support safety and compliance with the law.

Definitions

This policy does not have definitions associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Procedures

This policy does not have procedures associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review, this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Forms

Demonstration Reservation Form

Related Information

• Code of Conduct
• Emergency Operations Plan

Document History

• Last Reviewed Date: May 29, 2024
• Policy Origination Date: March 20, 2017
• Last Approval Date: June 15, 2024
• Policy Reviewed by Policy Owners and Policy Experts

Who Approved This Policy

Executive Leadership and Board of Trustees