Demonstration Guidelines

Demonstration Guidelines

Elon University encourages open, on-going intellectual engagement and debate through civil, mutually respectful interactions that preserve the openness of public dialogue and debate. An environment that encourages diverse views and the free exchange of ideas is vital to the University, as expressed in the Mission Statement and the statement of Commitment to the Values of Freedom of Expression and Inclusivity. Therefore, the University seeks to ensure that members of the university community (defined as current students, faculty, and staff) may assemble peacefully, express their ideas freely, and demonstrate their concerns collectively by orderly and lawful means.

All forms of demonstration and other expressive activity (including protests, rallies, marches, assemblies, speeches, vigils, displaying signs, circulation of petitions, etc.) (“Demonstrations”) must not interfere with the normal operations of the University, or block access to university facilities or events, and must adhere to all applicable University policies and laws. Sleeping overnight outdoors and camping are not approved to occur on campus.

The University requests that Demonstrations be registered to ensure safety and the orderly functioning of the University, but does not seek to censor or marginalize any group or point of view. When expressing their views, members of the university community must be clear that they are expressing their personal viewpoints and do not represent the views or positions of the University, may not use university logos, etc., and must assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

To provide a convenient and visible location for spontaneous, unregistered activism and civic engagement activities/programs on campus, an area in front of the Moseley Center (near the intersection of Koury Center and Moseley Center) is designated as “Speakers’ Corner,” a shared resources for individual students, recognized student organizations, and members of the university community (current students, faculty, and staff). Demonstrations and expressive activity at Speakers’ Corner do not require registration as long as they do not involve persons outside the university community, do not employ sound amplification, or do not cause a safety hazard or damage to property. Additional information about Speakers’ Corner can be found in the University Outdoor Spaces Policy.

The following additional guidelines apply to demonstrations by members of the university community (current students, faculty, or staff):

• Student Demonstrations planned in advance may be registered through the Phoenix Connect Registration process: www.elon.edu/phoenixconnect. The registration of Demonstrations will be expedited, and response will normally be within one to two business days.
• Members of the university community may conduct Demonstrations in any outdoor venue that can be reserved for events including, but not limited to, the Phi Beta Kappa Plaza, Lakeside Terrace, Medallion Plaza, Chandler Fountain and Plaza, Citrone Plaza, or Scott Plaza.
• Demonstration areas established by the University in response to campus speakers, programs, or political events will be in reasonable proximity to the event.
• When Demonstrations occur in the context of a speaker on campus, audience members may not behave in a way that infringes upon others’ ability to view or to hear the speaker. During the speech itself, prolonged or continued chanting or possible incitement of a disturbance intended to distract the speaker or disrupt the speech can, at the discretion of law enforcement or designated University officials, result in individuals being removed from the event.
• Demonstrations may not include: the use of signs exceeding 24x36 inches; signs with sticks or handles; masks or disguises that threaten the safety of others or prevent identification/recognition of participants as prohibited by applicable state law; tents or bedding; or items that violate university policies or are reasonably determined by university officials to be a safety hazard.
• Displays associated with a Demonstration (installations of flags/banners, free-standing structures, etc.) are only permitted when registered and approved in advance. Individuals must be present while the displays are up, and they must be removed at the end of the event.
• Amplification of speakers is only permitted in a manner that does not disrupt classes, normal university operations, or other approved events and follows applicable local laws and ordinances.
• Demonstrations may not begin before sunrise, must conclude before 11 p.m., and may not be conducted on Reading Day or during Final Exams.

Use of university space for a Demonstration does not imply institutional endorsement of the viewpoints expressed. Violating these guidelines can result in sanctions under applicable Student, Staff, or Faculty Handbooks, as well as other legal remedies available to the University under state law.

For questions about these guidelines or organizing a Demonstration, contact the Dean of Student Development.

Existing university policies that also apply to demonstrations include: Event and Space Management Policies and Procedures, Event Registration and Times, Political Activities Guidelines, Solicitation, Fundraising, and Merchandising Policy, University Outdoor Spaces