Demonstrations on campus

The purpose of this Demonstrations on Campus Policy (“Policy”) is to promote the academic mission of the University by providing students and employees with an environment that encourages and promotes the dissemination of information and the pursuit of knowledge. Peaceful demonstrations are a natural part of fulfilling that mission, as long as they occur in a manner that is respectful of and does not infringe on the rights or safety of others, does not damage personal or University property, and does not disrupt normal University operations.

Demonstrations by members of the Lynn University community must be registered and the location, time, anticipated duration, and date of the proposed demonstration must be approved in writing 72 hours (at a minimum) in advance by the Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall notify the Department of Campus Safety of the approval.

All demonstrations (and public expressions of any form) on Lynn University must be peaceful and orderly and confined to campus. Only members of the Lynn University community may organize or lead demonstrations. Demonstrations or other forms of expression may not compromise the rights of other members of the Lynn University community, nor interfere materially with the general operation of the University. Free expression and free speech are a cherished foundation of academia. Forms of expression, however, may not demean or degrade individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, pregnancy, genetic disposition, veteran or military status, marital status, familial status or any other legally protected characteristic in accordance with federal and applicable state law. Violators of this policy are subject to appropriate discipline.

Sponsorship or participation in demonstrations in no way relieves the individuals or organizations involved in such activities of responsibility for their conduct. Individuals and organizations sponsoring or participating in demonstrations are accountable for compliance with applicable laws, this Policy, and other applicable University policies.

Demonstrations—includes the presence of one or more persons in a University location with the intent to express a particular point of view in a manner that attracts attention, as in protests, rallies, sit-ins, vigils, or similar forms of expression.

All approved demonstrations (and expression of any form) at the University must be peaceful and orderly and confined to campus and the hours approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee. The Vice President of Student Affairs or a designee may restrict campus visitors from participating in a campus demonstration.

In the event or threat of a non-approved demonstration or an approved demonstration that is not peaceful or orderly or otherwise violates this policy, the emergency demonstration procedures set forth in the Critical Incident Management Plan will be implemented.

To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures and the demonstration approval process, please contact Student Affairs.