The St. John’s College community strives to encourage peaceful and articulate discussion of difficult topics. Gatherings that make such conversations more difficult—either because they disrupt classes or inhibit the atmosphere of friendliness and mutual respect usually found on campus—are the antithesis of the foundation upon which the college is built and will be discouraged in all but the rarest of circumstances. The college also understands that there may be rare occasions where larger assemblies are appropriate and even necessary. Even in these cases, the utmost care should be given to encourage mutual respect and the preservation of civility.

On the rare occasion where public assemblies are appropriate, to maintain safety and security, minimize risks of harm, and minimize conflict with academic processes, the college has designated two locations for public discussion and/or peaceful assembly, demonstrations, and/or protests. Locations include:

1. The Upper Field behind Mellon Hall
2. The Quad behind McDowell Hall

Although other campus locations may be available for public speaking and assemblies in limited circumstances, these locations are recommended. Those who choose to engage in peaceful assembly, demonstrations, and/or protests outside of one of these locations may be asked to relocate should the activity interfere with the normal operations of the college.

Individuals or groups who wish to request exclusive control of a location for peaceful assembly, demonstrations, and/or protests for a specific period of time will be required to make that request through the Assistant Dean and/or the VP of Student Affairs a minimum of five (5) business days prior to the requested date. Granting of the request shall be evaluated solely on criteria that are content-neutral and viewpoint-neutral, including but not limited to, date, time, anticipated attendance, academic calendar, previously scheduled events, and availability of Public Safety staff, among other factors. If the request is denied, the college will contact the requestor and offer alternate options.

Students, faculty, and staff have the freedom to discuss any topic that presents itself provided that topic is within the policies of the college and does not otherwise harass or discriminate against others. ­Students and faculty may assemble and engage in spontaneous activity as long as such activity is not unlawful and does not materially and substantially interfere with, disrupt, or impede the normal operations of the institution, subject to the requirements of this policy.

In order to facilitate peaceful assembly, demonstrations, and/or protests that do not materially and substantially disrupt normal functioning, the following should be adhered to:

1. Demonstrations or protests shall not block ingress or egress to roadways, buildings, exterior patios, plazas, walkways, or gathering spaces.
2. Residential Living areas and inside of academic buildings are restricted and shall not be used for demonstrations or protests.
3. Individual(s) or organizations who reserved and received approval for a specific location and time should remain within the location and time described in the registration for that particular event.
4. No harmful acts, destruction or defacement of property, or physical assaults of persons will be allowed. This includes harassing behavior aimed at specific individuals or groups more broadly and creating in them a realistic fear for their personal safety or the security of their property.
5. No use of amplification devices is allowed during regularly scheduled class times.
6. Speech may not be projected onto private areas, such as residence hall rooms or classrooms and thereby creating captive audiences who cannot guard their privacy by avoiding the speech.
7. Public assembly, discussion, or demonstration shall not disturb or interfere with any program, event, or activity approved prior to the public assembly, discussion, or demonstration.
8. Commercial activities where individuals or groups are being compensated or attempting to advertise, market, or accrue financial gain to any individual, corporation, business, or organization are expressly prohibited.
9. Events cannot be expressly political in nature or endorse or oppose any political candidate or cause.
10. Participation in peaceful assembly, demonstrations, and/or protests on college property is limited to members of the St. John’s College community and their guests. Community members are responsible for the behavior of their guests; guests may be told to leave campus at any time and for any reason and students, staff, and faculty may face disciplinary action should their guest(s) behave in a manner inconsistent with college policies.
11. Individuals may not trespass by remaining in areas after they are closed to the community or after being told to leave by college staff to leave.
12. Camping, squatting, or otherwise forming encampments on college property is prohibited. No structure or fixture may be erected upon campus property or facilities without prior approval of the Assistant Dean and/or the VP of Student Affairs.

Non-endorsement

All views expressed by any individual or organization are those of the speaker(s) and not, necessarily, of St. John’s College.

Sanctions

Individuals and/or organizations who fail to follow these policies and procedures may be subject to penalties, which may include but are not limited to restrictions on campus access, payment of damages, fines, etc. Student violations will be referred to the Community Standards Process for follow-up. Employee violations will be referred to Human Resources or the Dean’s Office for follow-up.