Campus Demonstration Policy

Purpose: 

Willamette University values and supports open expression, robust discourse, and the exchange of ideas. Through its curriculum and programs, the University seeks to create an atmosphere that encourages and supports the practice of intellectual and artistic freedom and sharing different and dissenting viewpoints. This opportunity to engage in free expression and assembly also comes with responsibilities to the larger community.

Protests and demonstrations can be a form of expressive activity that helps students fulfill Willamette’s aspirations: turning knowledge into action. Expressive activities–such as demonstrations– are encouraged if they are non-disruptive to Willamette’s educational purpose and mission and respectful of the rights of students, faculty, employees and guests of Willamette University. The University is committed to ensuring all members of the Willamette community have safe access to their educational experiences and work, free from intimidation and harassment.

This policy applies to all students at any of the schools or programs of Willamette University and outlines the expectations for those who choose to express ideas and viewpoints through campus protests or demonstrations. The University has the right and responsibility to regulate the time, place, and manner of expressive activities to assure the safety of individuals, the protection of property, and the continuity of the educational process and business operations

Definitions Related to this Policy:

Campus Demonstration means a form of individual or collective Expressive Activity that takes place outside of the curriculum, scheduled academic programming, and ordinary, day-to-day conversations that seeks to promote an ideological, political, or dissenting perspective and/or action.

Expressive Activity means communicative conduct or activity such as public speeches, demonstrations, marches, protests, picketing, sit-ins, and the distribution of literature, as well as other forms of symbolic, expressive activity, such as posting signs, chalking, and hanging banners.

Disruptive Activity means, but is not limited to:

• Interfering with or obstructing Willamette’s operations, activities, or events, including the rights of students, faculty, employees or guests to have access to their educational activities and work. Protests or demonstrations inside libraries, theaters, labs, shops, academic classrooms, residence halls, or administrative areas or offices are disruptive to University operations and are therefore impermissible in these locations.
• Preventing access to or egress from offices, meeting rooms, buildings, or areas of campus.
• Impeding a person’s speech or presentation by heckling, creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization, or by blocking the ability of audience members to see or hear a speaker or a presentation.
• Creating the threat of harm to individuals or damage to WU property.
• Remaining in a building or outdoor area after it has been closed.
• Violating University policies (most applicable policies are in the Student Code of Conduct) or state, local, or federal laws.
• Failing to comply with the directions of WU officials and/or local and state officials.
• Disruptive Activity does not include minor, brief, or fleeting non-violent disruptions of events that are isolated and short in duration.

Policy: 

1. Willamette University students may engage in Campus Demonstrations or other forms of Expressive Activities in public areas of campus during open hours provided such events do not include Disruptive Activity.  Individuals not affiliated with Willamette University are not permitted to participate in Campus Demonstrations on University property.
2. Expressive Activities that involve postings are required to follow the University Posting Policy.
3. To maintain safety and wellbeing for the campus community and to allow for appropriate preparation, members of the Willamette community who are planning a Campus Demonstration on WU property are strongly encouraged to contact one of the following offices for information and guidance in planning:
   • Willamette College students - Office of Student Affairs, Salem
   • Law students -Associate Dean of Students and Administration, Law School
   • MBA and Data Science graduate students - Office of Students Affairs, Salem
   • PNCA students - PNCA Office of Student Affairs

Effective Date: April 07, 2025
Responsible Person/Primary Contact: Vice President for Student Affairs
Responsible University Office: Student Affairs