Campus Protest and Free Speech

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An atmosphere of mutual trust, respect and responsibility is vital to the University’s existence and the achievement of its objectives.

Policy Statement

Demonstrations are a means where like‐minded individuals stand together to raise awareness about pressing social, racial and global issues. Demonstrations offer opportunities to create a sense of community and work to bring about change. As a university, we have had a long tradition of civic engagement both on campus and as part of national movements and causes.

Reason for Policy

Adelphi University is dedicated to learning through free inquiry and rational discourse. We believe an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect and responsibility is vital to the University’s existence and the achievement of its objectives.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

Faculty, Staff and Students

Policy

Why do people hold demonstrations?

Demonstrations are a means where like‐minded individuals stand together to raise awareness about pressing social, racial and global issues. Demonstrations offer opportunities to create a sense of community and work to bring about change. As a university, we have had a long tradition of civic engagement both on campus and as part of national movements and causes.

Are demonstrations allowed at Adelphi?

Yes, peaceful, non obstructive demonstrations are allowed on campus. We work every day to foster a positive environment in which we can learn and work together. Protests are permitted as long as they do not:

  1. Interfere with the normal operations of the University.
  2. Prevent access to offices, buildings or other University facilities.
  3. Pose a threat to the maintenance of public order, as defined by Section 129A of the New York State Education Law.

Why are peaceful, non obstructive demonstrations allowed on campus? These events may make people uncomfortable and/or not all people may agree with the protest.

Adelphi University is dedicated to learning through free inquiry and rational discourse. We believe an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect and responsibility is vital to the University’s existence and the achievement of its objectives.

Adelphi supports diversity in ideological, political and intellectual views and does not diminish other people for their views no matter what their position may be. Where individuals or groups feel called upon to exercise their rights to assemble or otherwise express dissent, they should do so with regard to the rights of others.

I have been told that expressing one’s right to free speech is the premise for allowing protests to happen on campus. How do I express myself if I don’t agree with a protest? And what do we mean by free speech?

Freedom of speech is the right to express one’s opinions and ideas. Criticism of the government and expressing unpopular ideas are included within freedom of speech. However, freedom of speech is not an absolute right and may be restricted at the University by the provisions of the Anti‐Discrimination, Harassment (Including Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking) and Retaliation Policy. Moreover, speech that is considered bullying, threatening or intimidating is prohibited on the campus by the Code of Conduct.

There have been and will be on‐going venues at which members of the Adelphi community have the opportunity to express differing points of view in a safe, respectful manner, guided by an objective facilitator. We encourage all members of our community to take advantage of these opportunities to share differing perspectives.

A student who would like to express a different viewpoint may organize a peaceful protest so long as it conforms with University policies. The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs can provide guidance and direction to members of the University community in this regard.

What does Adelphi do if it determines that protest banners, social posts and sharing of points of view at campus events are threatening?

Any statements that we considered possibly threatening are referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for follow‐up.

How is it determined if comments fall within the concept of free speech or whether these comments are prohibited on the campus?

Discrimination, harassment and retaliation of any type will not be tolerated at the University. Nor does Adelphi support bullying, threatening or intimidating language or behavior (Code of Conduct Page 16). And we always follow up on instances that are reported. Due to the fact that so much shared on social media is posted to private accounts or in circles of friends, if you read something or see something which appears threatening posted on a social platform, do not assume that the threatening message has been seen by campus leadership. The quality and strength of collective experience require each of us to speak up in order to protect a campus culture and climate that we value and seek to foster.

Page 16 of the Code of Conduct reads: All members of the University community, as well as visitors and guests, are required to treat each other with courtesy, consideration, and professionalism. The prohibited behavior includes intentionally or recklessly endangering, threatening, or causing reasonable apprehension of physical or mental harm to any person, including oneself. This section also includes stalking or harassing behavior that includes, but is not limited to threatening language, bullying, physical, verbal, or written intimidation, including cyber harassment. The behavior in question is typically such that, if left unaddressed, the person would be denied the ability to participate in or benefit from some educational or other experience.

How does one report language or behavior that may be prohibited on the campus?

Threatening language or behavior to another member of our community should be reported immediately to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (516.877.3612 or studentconduct@adelphi.edu).

Questions about or complaints involving discrimination, harassment or retaliation can be reported as follows:

  • Use our online complaint form to report discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation
  • Contact the appropriate individual below, or any member of the Anti – Discrimination Panel:
    • Student Complainants:
    • Employee or Third – Party Complainants:
      • Jane Fisher (director of employment, employee and labor relations) at fisher2@adelphi.edu or 516.877.3222
      • Allison Vernace (Chief of Community Concerns and Resolution) at titleix@adelphi.edu or 516.877.4819
    • General Comments or Inquiries:
      • Allison Vernace (Chief of Community Concerns and Resolution) at titleix@adelphi.edu or 516.877.4819

For emergencies or immediate assistance at any time on campus, contact the Office of Public Safety at 516.877.3511 or by dialing 5 from any campus phone.

Why do I feel uncomfortable with civil discourse?

We know that differences of opinion often generate passionately held viewpoints and differences of opinion. Our campus community is made up of thousands of individuals with a wide range of opinions and beliefs and we are fortunate to have deep resources including safe spaces, like‐minded faculty and staff and an office of diversity and inclusion. These resources allow for a myriad of discussions, programs and offerings that deeply enhance and enrich our campus environment.

Universities should be a place for the exploration of differing ideas—ideas that challenge what we believe and how we view the world—and a community that seeks to bring more light than heat to difficult discussions.

How to become actively engaged in fostering community at Adelphi. How can one be a part of the campus conversation on this topic?

There are many ways for the community to be a part of this discussion. Seek out resources from Student Affairs. Attend a program put on by one of our many student clubs. Be a champion for free, open and considerate speech by respecting others’ rights to have opinions that are different from yours. Strive to learn from each other, especially when you see the situation differently.

We invite all members of the Adelphi community to engage in ensuring an environment where all members of our community are respected and valued.

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

Demonstration Policy for Students

Emergency Operations Plan page 118-120

Forms

Demonstration Reservation (PDF)

Related Information

We offer many University resources. Here are helpful links and points of contact:

Document History

  • Last Reviewed Date: November 17, 2022
  • Last Revised Date: November 17, 2022
  • Policy Origination Date: December 13, 2017

Who Approved This Policy

Sentwali Bakari, Vice President for Student Affairs

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