Policy on Public Expression

St. Cloud State University is committed to providing an educational and work climate that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each individual. In fulfilling its multiple missions as an institution of higher learning, it encourages the free exchange of ideas. The university will protect the rights of freedom of speech, expression, petition, and peaceful assembly as set forth in the U.S. Constitution. St. Cloud State University maintains its right to place reasonable restrictions on time, place, and manner for acts of expression and dissent. Any acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the university, including classes and university business, or that invade the rights of others will not be tolerated. Faculty, staff and students engaging in a disruptive activity may be subject to disciplinary action. Any participant in a disruptive activity may face criminal charges.

Public Expression Areas

St. Cloud State University recognizes the tradition of the "public square"; therefore, the university establishes the following areas for public expression:

The mall between Atwood and the Performing Arts Center
The mall area in front of Stewart Hall
The mall on the west side of Administrative Services Building
Plaza on the west side of Halenbeck Hall

Other campus facilities may be available for use after receiving approval through established procedures.

It is the policy of St. Cloud State University that the facilities of the university are to be used primarily for the purpose of fulfilling the university's mission of teaching, research and public service. University facilities are not available for unrestricted use for other purposes.

Student organizations duly registered with the Director of University Organizations may use university facilities. Faculty and staff normally have access to university facilities through their academic department or administrative unit. Government agencies, public educational agencies and other community organizations may use university facilities when available.

Any use of facilities by university or non-university groups must be contingent upon sponsorship by an appropriate academic division, department, or administrative or governmental unit, or approved through established university procedures.

Freedom from Obstruction

Those who attend a speech or program sponsored by student organizations, university departments, or other authorized groups have the duty not to obstruct it, and the university has the obligation to protect the right to listen or participate.

Media Access

St. Cloud State University will assure access of the press and other news media to all public events. The university may define access by time, place and manner to insure safety or to avoid disruption of speakers and events providing that access of the press and other media is not denied in the process. Access of the press and other media is provided through the University Office of Communications.

Guidelines for Expression

The following principles will guide university management of events, speakers and other public activities:

Access - It is important to provide reasonable access to and exit from any office, classroom, laboratory or building. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic should not be obstructed.
Demonstrations - The university reserves the right to reasonably limit or otherwise direct demonstrations, especially for safety reasons. Such activities should not be disruptive, impede access, or litter the campus.

Picketing in an orderly manner or distributing literature outside university buildings is acceptable. Picketing is not permitted inside campus buildings.
Literature may be distributed in public areas of the campus and in public areas in certain campus buildings after receiving the appropriate approval.
Displaying a sign, gesturing, wearing symbolic clothing or otherwise protesting is permissible unless it is a disruptive activity or impedes access. Such acts should not block the audience's view or prevent the audience from being able to pay attention.

Disruptive Activity - Obstruction, disruption, or interference with classes, research, administrative functions, or other university activities is not permitted. Infringement on the rights of others is prohibited.
Noise - Making substantial or repeated noise in a manner which substantially interferes with a speaker's ability to communicate her/his message is not permitted. Noise levels should not interfere with classes, meetings, or activities in progress or the privacy of residence hall students.
Force or Violence - Any attempt to prevent a university activity or other lawful assembly by the threat or use of force or violence is not permissible.
Damage to Property - Care must be taken to insure that university and personal property is not damaged or destroyed. Those responsible for such damage will be liable for any clean-up or repair costs.
Security - Any security measures must be approved by the University Public Safety Office.
Other University Regulations - All applicable university regulations should be followed whenever engaging in activities on campus.

All individuals participating in scheduled events are expected to comply with state and federal law, municipal ordinances, St. Cloud State University regulations and the above guidelines. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal from the campus and any other appropriate action by university officials and/or the police.

Registration and Use of Campus Facilities

Individuals or groups wishing to use Public Expression Areas or other campus facilities must request use of the space through the Director of University Conferences and Information Center located in Atwood Center. Individuals are encouraged to make reservations no later than two working days in advance. Additional permission may be required from a building coordinator for certain facilities. Usually use of the space will be assigned to the person or organization that requests the area first. University sponsored events have first priority on the use of campus facilities. The university reserves the right to locate any assembly so as to ensure that the activity does not interfere with the normal operation of the university or interfere with the rights of others.

At the time of the request, the following information will be required:

Name of person or organization sponsoring the event
Location, date, and time requested for the event
General purpose of the event
List of planned activities (i.e., speech, march, distribution of literature)
Equipment to be used
• Anticipated attendance

A designated responsible party from the sponsoring organization, identified at the time of registration, must be present at the event.

Any contract drawn between the university and a non-university group for the use of university facilities shall:

Provide for reasonable access by the media to the event
Note that authorized use of facilities does not in any way constitute university or state endorsement.
Provide that while on university premises and/or using university facilities, the group shall not engage in discrimination in accordance with the university's Affirmative Action Policy and all applicable local, state and federal laws.

September 2003