Demonstration Policy

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, peaceful expression and discussion of diverse points of view, even when those expressions or discussions are controversial.

The purpose of the Policy is to explain Suffolk University’s approach to facilitating lawful demonstrations, protests, and organized expressions of opinion that 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 prevent 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 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
  • are within 100 feet of or otherwise disrupt another demonstration
  • violate the law, including without limitation noise ordinances
  • are 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
  • 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 on behalf of the University. In addition, students, faculty and staff are prohibited from using the University seal or logos on letterheads, business cards, or other identifying materials in relation to protests or demonstrations.[1]

Further, the University reserves the right to stop an approved event if it becomes a violation of this Policy, even if through no fault of the organizers.

After being directed to leave by authorized university personnel or law enforcement, current students, faculty, administrative employees, and staff participating in demonstrations that violate this Policy and who do not immediately depart may be subject to the University’s disciplinary processes and to arrest for trespassing. The University reserves the right to ban from University property arrest for trespass any individuals who are not currently enrolled at or employed by the University and who participate in such demonstrations, whether or not invited by a member of the University community. Persons who are not Suffolk University students, faculty or staff, and organizations that are not officially recognized by the University are not permitted to hold Demonstrations, Protests or Organized Expressions of Opinion on University property.

Current students, faculty, administrative employees, and staff who violate this policy section may be subject to the University’s disciplinary processes. Those who violate federal, state or local laws or ordinances may be subject to arrest.

[1] This provision does not apply to employees engaged in conduct protected under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, which includes the right to form or join a union, engage in collective bargaining and other protected, concerted activities.

III. Unauthorized Campus Demonstrations, Protests and Organized Expressions of Opinion.

Those holding unauthorized events that would otherwise be covered by this policy may be subject to university disciplinary action or legal action. Those holding unauthorized events will also be held responsible for the cost of any damages caused by the event or its participants. The University reserves the right to terminate any unauthorized event.

IV. Events Located on Adjoining University Property.

This policy does not apply to demonstrations on public property or public sidewalks, including those adjacent to University Property.  Demonstrations and other events on public property may need to be permitted though the City of Boston or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as appropriate.

V. Requests By External Speakers and Organizations to Use Campus Facilities must follow the procedures as outlined in the University’s Use of Campus Space and Platforms policy

 

VI. Process for requesting permission to hold an on campus Demonstration, Protest and Organized Expression of Opinion covered by this policy

Request: Those wishing to organize or stage activities covered by this policy on any University Property are required to submit a request for permission to conduct the activity at least two business days in advance of the activity. Requests shall be submitted using the Demonstration Form, which is conveyed to all members of the Demonstration Review Committee upon submission. In the event of extraordinary circumstances, organizers of an activity covered by this policy may request permission to hold the event within the two business days’ notice window, but failure to provide the required notice at least two business days in advance may increase the probability that the activity will not be approved due to lack of sufficient time for necessary planning.

Review: The Suffolk University Demonstration Review Committee will convene for every request to determine whether an event proposal poses a threat to safety or impede University operations and whether the planned event complies with University policy.

As a private entity, Suffolk University reserves the right to decline to grant permission for activities on University Property covered by this policy or to limit the time, location and methods of such activities. Without limiting the foregoing, the University ordinarily approves demonstrations, protests, counter-protests and other organized expressions which comply with this policy; but the University may, however, refuse approval for an event if the event’s purpose is to make threats in violation of the law (True Threats), intentionally harass an individual or group, incite unlawful action, or engage in obscenity.

*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 (students), Provost or designee (faculty), or Chief Human Resources Officer or designee (staff). 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.

VIII. Cross References to Related Policies

Suffolk University Law School Policies & Rules
Suffolk University Student Handbook (CAS/SBS Students)
Suffolk University Faculty Handbook
Suffolk University Principles and Policies Regarding Freedom of Expression