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Free Speech, Peaceful Dissent, Protests and Demonstrations Rights and Responsibilities 

University of Southern Indiana

  • Speech Code Rating
    Yellow
  • Speech Code Category
    Protest and Demonstration Policies
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In accordance with the University of Southern Indiana’s obligation to promote the free expression of all views, the campus is open to any speaker whom University student organizations, administrators, staff, or faculty members have invited and for whom official arrangements to speak have been made with the University.

The right of free speech at the University also includes the right of individuals and groups affiliated with the University and members of the public not affiliated with the University to participate in acts of peaceful dissent, protests in peaceable assembly and orderly demonstrations on the USI campus. However, the University may regulate the time, place and manner in order to prevent unreasonable interference or disruption of the University’s educational, research, outreach and business functions, normal or scheduled uses of University property by the campus community, as well as protecting public health, safety and welfare.

All individuals and groups affiliated with the University and planning to engage in dissent, protest, or demonstration activities of the sort described in the previous paragraph should contact the Dean of Students Office for details and to reserve space at least 24- business hours in advance. This allows the University the opportunity to provide space that accommodates the reasonable needs of both those engaged in dissent, protest, or demonstration activities and the University community.

The following locations on the USI campus accommodate the reasonable needs of the University and are available for dissent, protest, or demonstration activities by members of the public, individuals and groups affiliated with USI and guests:

  • the lawn area south of Rice Library
  • the lawn to the north of the Wright Administration building
  • the lawn in the northwest corner of the quad

In addition, other areas of the University campus may be utilized for dissent, protest, or demonstration activities if they meet the following general conditions of use:

  • Activities may not be conducted in a manner that violates any federal, state or local law.
  • Activities may not be conducted in a manner or at a time or place that is either incompatible with or unreasonably interferes with the educational, research, business or other legitimate functions of the University.
  • Activities may not be conducted in a manner that violates the rules, regulations, or policies of the University of Southern Indiana including Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior (Sections 1.2 C.10 and C.11).
  • Activities may not be conducted in a manner that violates applicable fire or safety regulations.
  • Activities may not disrupt academic activity, block egress (i.e. block safe access to exits and entrances, hallways, sidewalks, streets etc.) or pose a threat to the personal safety of community members.

Violations of these policies may result in removal from a location or the USI campus, appropriate disciplinary action and/or arrest, in accordance with applicable law and University policies and procedures.

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