Purpose

As an institution of higher education, Lindenwood University supports free speech and encourages open dialogue amongst students and employees of the University.

While on campus, students and employees are expected to conduct themselves reasonably and responsibly in respect to the educational function and goals of Lindenwood, and in alignment with the rights of fellow students and employees.

The University will allow approved peaceful demonstrations to support free speech. Lindenwood University does not tolerate hate speech, defined as “public speech that expresses hate or encourages violence towards a person or group based on something such as race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation” (Cambridge Dictionary). All activities must not interfere with the normal operation of the University and organizers will be directed to spaces and expectations to follow during the demonstration. Scope

Scope

Process - Request to Demonstrate

Lindenwood University students and/or employees must follow these guidelines in the planning and conduct of demonstrations.

• A Lindenwood student or employee must be designated as the Organizer.
• The Organizer must meet with the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs in advance of the intended demonstration date to discuss logistics.
• To begin the process, the Organizer should complete the Event Organizer Form which will be submitted to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs upon completion. The form can be accessed by emailing studentaffairs@lindenwood.edu.
• The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, will meet with the Organizer within two business days of receiving a completed Event Organizer form.
• The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs will work with the Organizer to review the information provided and reserve a designated outdoor demonstration space on campus, contingent on availability.
• If the Organizer is a current Lindenwood student planning the event on behalf of a recognized university club or organization, the club/organization advisor should also attend this meeting.
• Planning and coordination of a demonstration may only commence with written approval from the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs.
• The Organizer is responsible for communicating all expectations to participants, as outlined by the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and the Department of Public Safety and Security. These expectations are outlined in the General Demonstration Expectations section of this policy.
• During the event, the Organizer is the primary contact for the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Department of Public Safety and Security.

Demonstration Requests Not Approved

In the event a demonstration request is not approved, the Organizer may choose to take the following actions.

• The Organizer or recognized university club or organization can present a letter to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs requesting they reconsider the decision.
• The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs will send this letter, along with an explanation of the initial decision, to the University’s Executive Cabinet for review.
• The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs will schedule a meeting with this group to review the decision and request to reconsider. This meeting will occur within 5 business days of notification that the initial request was denied.
• After the group meeting, the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs will notify the Organizer of a final decision.

General Demonstration Expectations

• Individuals who are not current Lindenwood students or employees are not permitted to participate in demonstrations at Lindenwood University.
• If at any time during an approved demonstration, disruption of normal operations, destruction of property, physical violence, unauthorized entry, or other actions deemed unsafe occur, the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs or Department of Public Safety and Security will instruct the demonstrators to leave the area immediately.
• Demonstrations should not disrupt the normal function of the University.
• Demonstrations cannot enter campus buildings and must occur outdoors in designated areas.
• Campus entrances must remain open and unimpeded to vehicular and pedestrian traffic accessing campus at all times.
• Doors, building entrances, and stairs cannot be blocked or obstructed. Clear passage must be maintained.
• Demonstrations are not permitted overnight.
• Use of force, violence or actions indicating an immediate threat to persons or property will not be permitted.
• Demonstrations may not erect temporary or permanent structures.
• Lindenwood students wishing to participate in an approved demonstration must follow Lindenwood’s Code of Conduct, Residential Life Policies, and other university policies and processes in the planning and conduct of any event.
• Lindenwood student employees wishing to participate in an approved demonstration must be off the clock and participate in their free time.

Procedures for University Response During Demonstrations

In the event an approved demonstration impedes normal operations or poses a safety risk, the university official responsible for the specific location of the demonstration will contact the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and the Department of Public Safety and Security. Together, these individuals will determine if normal operations of the location are disrupted or if the demonstration poses a risk. Local law enforcement may be called if there is a safety risk at any time.

The Organizer is the primary point of contact for the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and the Department of Public Safety and Security for all matters related to the approved demonstration.

Unapproved Demonstrations

Demonstrations that have not been approved through the University’s review process are not allowed. Unsanctioned demonstration participants and Organizers may be subject to action through the Student Conduct or Employee Disciplinary Process.

Lindenwood University reserves the right to approve or decline any peaceful demonstration request regardless of adherence to established policies, including for what it reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the University and University community.