Policy on Campus Demonstrations

I. General Policy

The University of Illinois at Chicago, in its role as an academic institution, is committed to an environment in which a variety of ideas can be reasonably proposed and critically examined. The existence of the free exchange of ideas and the expression of dissent within the University community are indications of intellectual vitality and social awareness.

Implicit in these freedoms is the right to demonstrate in a peaceful and non-disruptive manner. The University expects that those who enjoy these freedoms must also accept responsibility for order and discipline. The regulation of time, place, and manner for all campus demonstrations is a legitimate and necessary obligation of the University. The content neutral rules set forth in this Policy are intended to protect the rights of those involved in the demonstration, others in the University community, and the institution from unreasonable disruption

The use of the University forum does not imply acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed.

II. Disruptions

Disruption is defined as activity which substantially interferes with the rights of others and substantially impedes university operations, including activity which:

Denies or infringes upon the rights of students, faculty, officers, staff, guests, or patients of the University community.
Interferes with instruction, research, administration, health care services, and other activities of the University community.
Obstructs or restricts free movement of persons on the campus, in campus buildings, and in off campus locations where University activities take place.
Denies the use of offices, classrooms or other facilities to students, faculty, officers, staff, guests, or patients of the University community.
Endangers or threatens the safety of any person in the University community, including by use of force and/or violence.
Destroys or defaces or causes the loss of property.
Violates the law or University or campus policy.

III. Guidelines for Demonstrations

In planning a demonstration, the organizers and participants must observe regulations pertaining to the use of campus facilities as well as this Policy. The Use of University Facilities Policy may be obtained from the Office of Meetings and Conferences, located in Chicago Circle Center, Room 231. Individuals and groups planning a demonstration should reserve a location with the Office of Meetings and Conferences and arrange a meeting with the Dean of Students to discuss the event and the anticipated activities so that the University can take measures to prepare for the demonstration and assure public safety, including Campus Police coverage if necessary. Reservations shall be granted on a content neutral basis subject to availability of the space, and the holders of such reservations shall have priority over others who attempt to use the space at the same time to the extent the events cannot be conducted simultaneously. The Dean will notify the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services if the organizers are faculty or staff.

There are four (4) locations on campus that may be reserved for demonstrations: the Lecture Center Plaza, University Hall Plaza, Harrison Field, and Chicago Illini Union Plaza. Space should be reserved at least 48 hours in advance of the event. It is requested that an earlier reservation be made if it is anticipated that the University will need to make preparations in advance of the demonstration.

Whether in a reserved location or anywhere else on campus, participants in demonstrations 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 on or into the campus.
Create a volume of noise that prevents members of the University community from carrying on their normal activities. Amplified sound (i.e. bullhorns) is not permitted inside university buildings and may not be permitted outside where it interferes with the activities of the University community.
Employ force or violence, or constitute an immediate threat of force or violence, against persons or property.
Cause a disruption as defined in Section II of this Policy.
Post or distribute flyers inside classrooms or carry signs on sticks inside campus buildings.
Fail to observe established closing hours of buildings.

The possession or use of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, dangerous chemicals or weapons by any participant in a campus demonstration is prohibited.

IV. Procedures for Handling Disruptive Demonstrations

The Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services in consultation with the Dean of Students will determine the point at which a demonstration becomes disruptive based upon the criteria set forth in Section III of this Policy. If the situation permits, the Vice Chancellor for Administration or the Dean of Students will inform the demonstrators that they must discontinue their disruptive activities, explaining which activities are in violation of this Policy, and will advise them how to continue their demonstration in a manner which is not disruptive. If the disruption continues, appropriate action will be taken, including police action. An immediate physical threat to persons and/or property may require immediate police action as well as situations in which the Dean of Students or the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services determines that a warning will not provide adequate protection for persons or property.

Students who violate university or campus policy, including this Policy, or the law may be subject to disciplinary and/or criminal action. Students should refer to the Student Code of Conduct for specific information regarding the student judicial system. Disciplinary action can range from a reprimand to expulsion from the university.

Faculty and staff who violate university or campus policy, including this Policy, or the law may be subject to disciplinary and/or criminal action. Faculty and staff should refer to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees Statutes, the Handbook for Good Ethical Practice, the UIC Faculty/Staff Handbook, and civil service policies.

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
December 15, 2003