University Policies

Public Demonstrations Policy

Approval Date: October 3, 2024
Approved By: President

POLICY STATEMENT

Western Illinois University is committed to providing a campus environment that allows for the free exchange of ideas, fully embracing the First Amendment guarantees of free speech, assembly, and association. At the same time, WIU recognizes that faculty, staff, and students must be free to work, live, and learn without undue disruption. With these principles in mind, the University retains the right to regulate the time, place, and manner of demonstrations to assure individuals’ safety, property protection, and the continuity of the educational process.

SCOPE (WHO SHOULD READ THIS POLICY) 

Persons demonstrating on campus.

DEFINITIONS 

  • Temporary sign: a sign or other display or device that is not permanently affixed and can be removed at the end of each day or shift.
  • Temporary shelter: a tent or shelter that is not permanently affixed and is commonly used by people as shelter from the weather but not camping, such as a collapsible pop-up type canopy, which can be removed at the end of an event.
  • Prohibited sound amplification: any noise that unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life or with any lawful business or activity, including, but not limited to, the use of electronically operated or assisted devices for the amplification of sound, public address system(s), bullhorn, music, or voice amplifier (s), megaphone (s), and any combination thereof. 

POLICY

Use of University Property for a Demonstration/Protest

  1. Demonstrations on University property are limited to the hours of 8:00 AM-10:00 PM.
  2. For safety and security reasons, activities considered overnight camping or tents commonly used for camping at any time are prohibited. Temporary shelters are permitted for participants' health, welfare, and well-being. Temporary shelters may be used so long as individuals participating in the demonstrations are present. Temporary shelters and signs shall be removed after the demonstration, but no later than 10:00 PM each day. 

RESPONSIBILITIES (Implementation and Enforcement) 

Individuals participating in a campus demonstration have the following responsibilities:

  • Identifying a contact person in attendance to facilitate communication with University officials.
  • Complying with applicable University policies and regulations and federal, state, and local laws.
  • Seeking to maintain order to prevent damage to University property.
  • Reimbursing the University for the damage they directly cause to University property, including cleanup.

No person on University property or at official University functions may:

  • Violate applicable University policies or regulations or federal, state, and/or local laws.
  • Deny the rights of students, faculty, staff, or guests of the University.
  • Deny the rights of those engaged in the peaceful discourse of dissent.
  • Deny the proper use of offices or other facilities to the students, faculty, officers, staff, trustees, or guests of the University.
  • Attempt to or interfere with, impair, or impede classes, events, ceremonies, or the operations of the University.
  • Obstruct or disrupt campus activities.
  • Disrupt or interfere with, impede, or cause blockage of the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
  • Disrupt or interfere with, impede, or cause blockage of ingress or egress from any building.
  • Willfully, negligently, or recklessly commit any act likely to create an imminent health or safety hazard.
  • Interfere with events by blocking audience view, making noise that hampers a speaker or performance from being heard, or performing any other act disruptive to the event.
  • Engage in the production of amplified sound or non-amplified sound that disrupts classes, campus events, or operations, or interferes with residence hall quiet hours.
  • Engage in physically abusive, threatening, or intimidating conduct toward any person.
  • Leave any area littered with trash, debris, or personal property.
  • Fail to comply with contractual terms or conditions under which a special event is held on University property.
  • Fail to comply with the directions of a University official or law enforcement officer acting in the performance of his/her duties.
  • Fail to abide by local, state, and federal security measures or regulations in effect for special events.
  • Fail to identify self to University officials.
Enforcement

A violation of this policy should be reported to the WIU Office of Public Safety, and other appropriate law enforcement officials may also take necessary action to ensure compliance with its provisions, preserve order, and protect the public's health.

If any person, group, or organization fails to abide by the provisions of this policy, said person, group, or organization shall be subject to official action taken by University officials in accordance with applicable policies and procedures of the WIU Board of Trustees, Western Illinois University, and local, state, and federal laws.

RESOURCES

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