Campus Disruption and Demonstration Policy

I. Policy Introduction

Syracuse University regulations on campus disruption and demonstration apply to students, faculty, and staff for the pursuit of its educational mission and the maintenance of public order on the University’s owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled property and at its sponsored events. Pursuant to the requirements of the New York Educational Law 6430 (Art.129a, 2004), the following rules, regulations, and enforcement procedures are adopted.

II.  To Whom This Policy Applies

The Campus Disruption and Demonstration Policy applies to Syracuse University faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

III. Policy Principles

  1. Permitted Conduct
    1. Subject to prior approval from the University as described below, members of the University community (students, faculty, and staff members) are permitted to conduct orderly demonstrations that do not disrupt the educational process or working environment taking place at the University, violate laws or any other University policy, or interfere with the rights of any member of the University community.
    2. This policy does not prohibit spontaneous, peaceful demonstrations, provided the demonstrations do not otherwise violate other University policies or applicable laws. Demonstrations will be considered spontaneous when they occur organically, typically in immediate response to current events or issues. Events that begin spontaneously but continue for a prolonged period of time (e.g., overnight), or continue after the University directs that they end will no longer be deemed spontaneous. Unregistered demonstrations are subject to relocation or termination as deemed appropriate by the University.
    3. Non-affiliates may visit campus when invited for events open to guests or the public but may not host or organize a demonstration on private University property. Non-affiliates must comply with all applicable laws and University policies when on property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University and/or engaged in a University-approved event.
  2. Confirmation of University Affiliation
    1. For safety reasons and to confirm University affiliation at events on Syracuse University owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled property, Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students must show their Syracuse University or SUNY-ESF-issued identification (ID) card when requested by a University official, including campus public safety officers.
  3. Approval Process
    1. To ensure that demonstrations are conducted by members of the University community and follow safety expectations, all demonstrations must be registered with the University. All demonstrations must have a University-affiliated organizer, which can be one (1) or more enrolled students, faculty, or staff members.
    2. Members of the University community wishing to hold a demonstration must complete the Demonstration Registration Form no less than three (3) business days prior to the event. The Associate Vice President and Dean of Students (or designee) will review all submissions and ask members of the Student Activism Engagement Team to meet with the organizer(s) prior to any approval to discuss applicable University policies and any safety or security requirements and evaluate any special needs or provisions to ensure safety and that the academic mission and regular operations of the University are not disrupted. The Associate Vice President and Dean of Students has the discretion to deny approval of a demonstration in situations when the demonstration cannot be held safely for all participants and University community members or property.
    3. Reservation of campus space for an approved demonstration is contingent upon availability. The organizer(s) of the event is/are responsible for all costs associated with the demonstration, including security if deemed necessary by the University. The organizer(s) is/are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with these requirements by all participants and may be held accountable for violations of such requirements by any persons involved in the demonstration.

4. Prohibited Conduct

    1. Syracuse University is committed to the principle that freedom of expression is essential to the search for truth, and consequently, welcomes and encourages the expression of dissent. Freedom of expression, however, ceases at the point when its exercise infringes on the rights of participants or non-participants. To preserve freedom of expression and protect the rights of all, the following conduct is prohibited:
      1. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, residential living, pedestrian (ex. sidewalks) or vehicular traffic, or other authorized University activities, including ceremonies, events, athletic competitions/events, public service functions, and/or other approved activities on property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University.
      2. Detention or physical abuse by any person on property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
      3. Display or use of any materials, symbols, words, or phrases that violates other University policies, including, without limitation, the Student Conduct Code and/or the Anti-Harassment Policy. Improper use/intentional misuse, damage, or destruction of property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University or the property of any person where such property is located on property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University.
      4. Unauthorized use or assembly of tents or other temporary shelter structures.
      5. Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons or instruments on property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University.
      6. Entry, use, or occupation of University facilities or property without authorization, or violation of regulations governing the use of University facilities or property.
      7. Failure to comply with the lawful directives of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties.
      8. Acts which recklessly or intentionally endanger mental or physical health or involve the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
      9. Promoting, perpetuating, or assisting any other person engaged in any act or conduct herein prescribed.
      10. In addition to the above specific prohibitions, which are not exclusive, members of the University community and other persons on property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner that does not violate applicable laws or any University policy

5. Use of Amplified Sound

  1. The use of amplified sound, including, without limitation, bullhorns, microphones, and speakers, or any other item used to create loud noises/sounds which may be disruptive is subject to restrictions to prevent interference with the educational and/or administrative objectives of the University.
    1. Expectations regarding sound amplification apply at all times, with particular emphasis on times when classes are in session and during regular business hours.
    2. No use of amplified sound is permitted on the Quad or within 50 feet of any building being used for educational or administrative purposes without prior authorization by Student Engagement.
    3. Campus events using amplified sound must obtain prior approval to ensure coordination with academic and administrative schedules.
  2. This prohibition does not extend to those sound amplification accommodations necessary and proper for approved instructional, administrative, athletic, and/or co-curricular University events and activities.

    7. Policy Violation and Enforcement and Interpretation

    1.  Violation
      1. Any person while on property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University who refuses the request of an authorized University official to desist in any prohibited conduct, or otherwise comply with applicable laws or University policies, may be ejected from such premises.
      2. Students, faculty, and staff members may be referred to the appropriate disciplinary process and/or applicable/appropriate criminal procedures, for violation of this policy:
        1. A student charged with violation will be subject to disciplinary procedures set forth in the Student Conduct System Handbook.
        2. A member of the non-bargaining unit staff charged with violation will be subject to disciplinary procedures set forth in Human Resources policies.
        3. A member of the bargaining unit staff charged with violation will be subject to the disciplinary procedures set forth in their applicable collective bargaining agreement and Human Resources policies, as applicable.
        4. A faculty member charged with violation will be subject to the procedures described in the Faculty Manual.
      3. In the case of any non-affiliated individual, their ability to remain on University
        property may be revoked via a no-trespass directive issued by the Department of
        Public Safety.
      4. In certain extraordinary circumstances, a person’s behavior may necessitate their
        immediate interim removal from campus to maintain the safety and order of the
        campus community pending any appropriate hearing process based on the
        individual’s affiliation.

        8. Enforcement and Interpretation

        1. Ultimate authority for interpretation and enforcement of this policy rests with the Chancellor (or designee).
          1. The Department of Public Safety shall be responsible for maintaining and preserving the safety and security of the University.
          2. In instances of violation by students, interpretation and enforcement shall be overseen by the Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer (or designee).
          3. In instances of violation by faculty, interpretation and enforcement shall be overseen by the Vice Chancellor and Provost (or designee).
          4. In instances of violation by any staff member, interpretation and enforcement shall be overseen by the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (or designee).Ultimate authority for interpretation and enforcement of this policy rests with the Chancellor (or designee).

        IV. Responsibilities

        1. Responsible Office – Dean of Students. The policy will be reviewed every two (2) years by the responsible office with input from Academic Affairs and Human Resources.
        2. University Management – Student Experience, Academic Affairs, and Human Resources.
        3. Individual – Associate Vice President and Dean of Students.

        V. Record Retention

        Records associated with the policy shall be maintained by the Responsible Office and retained or disposed of in accordance with University Records Policy and University Record Retention Schedule.

        VI. Compliance

        The Office of Internal Audit, Office of Compliance, the Responsible Office of this policy, and others may audit, investigate, and assess compliance with this policy.  Non-compliance with university policies is subject to progressive disciplinary action up to and including termination per Staff Employee Disciplinary Policy.

        VII. Related University Policies and Resources

        VIII. Definitions

        Term: Non-affiliate
        Definition: An individual who is not a current student, faculty, or staff member at Syracuse University

        IX. Policy Administration and Responsible Offices

        X. Responsible Executive

        • Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer
        • Vice Chancellor and Provost
        • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

        XI. Revision History

        Original Issue: December 1994
        Previous Revision: August 2010
        Current Version Approved: August 2024