Board of Trustees at Indiana U. Imposes Limits on Campus Protests

Board of Trustees at Indiana U. Imposes Limits on Campus Protests

Campus protests have become so common that some students seem to think it’s the whole point of attending college.

The College Fix reports:

Indiana University board imposes limits on protests

Indiana University students and faculty will face new restrictions on protest this semester following a vote by the board of trustees.

The board voted 6-3 on Monday to impose limits on campus protests, according to Inside Higher Ed. The new limits go into effect tomorrow.

“Expressive Activity may not materially and substantially disrupt official activities, business, or operations of the University,” according to the new policy.

It defines “expressive activity” as “participating in speech or conduct protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, communicating by any lawful verbal, written, audio visual, or electronic means, participating in peaceful assembly, protesting, making speeches, including speeches of guest speakers, distributing literature, carrying signs, and circulating petitions.”

Additionally, the new restrictions ban camping unless part of a university event, limit “expressive activity” to between certain hours, allow water-soluble chalk only on sidewalks, and prohibit attaching signs and symbols to the ground, buildings, flagpoles, and other structures.

The board aimed to provide clearer guidelines on campus protests following criticism of its abrupt policy change in April. This previous revision, made the night before a planned anti-Israel encampment, updated an outdoor policy that had been in place for over 50 years, as previously reported by The College Fix.

Violations could lead to punishments up to expulsion, while employees could face penalties up to termination, depending on the severity of the violation.

The university has framed the new policy as a way to protect free expression.

The policy states “the University’s educational mission is actualized while preserving the rights guaranteed to Indiana University Community Members under the U.S. Constitution.”

“Indiana University has a longstanding commitment to advancing free speech,” board chair Quinn Buckner said, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

“In order for free speech for all to flourish, we needed to clarify our policies so people clearly understand the allowable time, manner and place for free expression,” he said. “We can’t let one person or group’s expression infringe on the rights of others, disrupt learning experiences for our students, or interrupt regular university business.”

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