Campus Disruption Policy

Scope

Faculty, staff, and students

Policy Statement
(Faculty Manual 3.13)

Syracuse University regulations on campus disruption apply to students, faculty, administrators, and staff for the maintenance of public order on the University’s owned, operated, or controlled property and at its sponsored events. Pursuant to the requirements of the New York Educational Law 6450 (Art. 129a, 1969), the following rules, regulations, and enforcement procedures are adopted for the maintenance of public order on Syracuse University-owned, operated, or controlled property.

  1. Prohibited Conduct – Syracuse University is committed to the principle that freedom of discussion 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 either participants or nonparticipants. To preserve freedom of discussion and to protect the rights of all, the following conduct is prohibited:
    1. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or other University activities, including public service functions and other authorized activities on University-owned, operated, or controlled property.
    2. Detention or physical abuse of any person on University-owned, operated, or controlled property or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person.
    3. Destruction of or damage to University property or the property of any person where such property is located on University-owned, operated, or controlled property.
    4. Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons or instruments on University-owned, operated, or controlled property.
    5. Entry on or use of University facilities or property without authorization, or violation of regulations governing the use of University facilities or property.
    6. Failure to comply with the lawful directives of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties.
    7. 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.
    8. Aiding any other person to engage in any act or conduct herein proscribed.
  2. Removal from Premises
    Any person while on University-owned, operated, or controlled property who refuses the request or command of an authorized University official to desist in any prohibited conduct may be ejected from such premises where such conduct constitutes a disruption to public order.
  3. Violations and Sanctions
    A student charged with violating the prohibitions listed under Section A will be subject to the disciplinary sanctions and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook, and the published policies of the University Student Conduct System.A member of the non-bargaining unit staff charged with violating the prohibitions listed under Section A will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. A member of the bargaining unit staff charged with violating the prohibitions listed under Section A will be subject to the Rules and Discipline Procedures and Article 17 of the current collective bargaining agreement.A faculty member charged with violating the prohibitions listed under Section A will be subject to the procedures described under Section 3.16 of the Faculty Manual, Edition 18, January 1995 and subsequently amended. A sanction need not in every case be imposed. Where appropriate, sanctions for a person found to have violated those prohibitions may range from a verbal or written reprimand, to suspension of the faculty privileges and responsibilities, either with or without salary or benefits for a period not to exceed the remainder of the semester and the semester following hearing board action, to termination of contract or tenured position. In extraordinary circumstances, the Chancellor or designated representatives may suspend the accused person pending hearing of the charges.

Policy Administration

Date: December 1994
Amended: 8/20/10