Protest Policies

June 20, 2024

Rationale and Purpose

Central Connecticut State University (Central) values the open exchange and expression of diverse views and ideas. Our commitment to this principle requires accommodating differing and controversial perspectives, fostering dynamic discourse, and protecting the physical safety of all community members. This policy aims to balance the right to freedom of speech and expression with the necessity of ensuring a safe environment.

Administrative Goal and Objective

The Protest Response Team (PRT) at Central is dedicated to creating, revising, and managing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for event protests or potential protests. The PRT comprises university officials from various departments, including Student Affairs, the Central Reservations Office (CRO), and the Central Police Department. These SOPs guide the university community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests—in organizing and participating in peaceful, non-disruptive demonstrations and expressive activities. Our aim is to ensure these activities align with the university's commitment to free speech while maintaining physical safety.

We provide access to campus facilities for events, including protests, through the CRO. Our objective is to foster an environment of open communication and coordination, thereby maintaining operational continuity and setting clear expectations for safe and respectful expressive activities. We encourage individuals and groups planning to use Central as a site for expressive activity to reach out to the CRO, Student Affairs, and the Central Police Department for assistance in making the event successful and safe, especially if the event might draw controversy. Central will not impose unconstitutional content restrictions on any event or protest. However, events and protests may have legally permissible time, place, and manner restrictions.

A coordinated process with open communication is the best method to ensure the continuity of your event or protest. The PRT aims to give every student a place and a voice to be heard.

Best Practices

To mitigate confusion between free speech and behaviors that violate the student code of conduct or Connecticut Penal Code, we strongly recommend meeting with the CRO, Student Affairs, and the Central Police Department, as well as reviewing the relevant statutes, student code of conduct, and Central SOPs.

Peaceful, Non-Obstructive Civil Protest

A civil protest typically involves an organized public demonstration of disapproval or disagreement with an idea or course of action. Campus protests, such as marches, meetings, picketing, and rallies, are often peaceful and non-obstructive. Generally, peaceful protests should not be interrupted. Protesters should not be obstructed or provoked, and efforts should be made to conduct university business as normally as possible. We recommend that organizers of a peaceful protest utilize the Civil Protest Guidelines provided to support these activities in a safe and effective manner.

As a public institution, consistent with the First Amendment, Central provides access to its outdoor space for individuals and groups not part of the campus community who wish to engage in speech activities within designated boundaries. The university has identified specific campus public areas where speech and the distribution of literature are permitted.

Civil Protest Guidelines

• Coordinate with the CRO: Designate a location for the civil protest.
• Pre-Protest Meetings: Conduct meetings to review guidelines.
• Educate Participants: Clarify the distinction between disruptive and non-disruptive behavior.
• Provide Documentation: Distribute Central documentation and website links to SOPs related to Civil Protest / Safe Demonstration.
• Review Student Code of Conduct: Highlight violations related to disruptive protest.
• Review Connecticut General Statutes: Specifically address 53a-107, which pertains to criminal trespass.
• Follow CRO Scheduled Hours: Ensure the protest does not extend past the operating hours of the building.
• Maintain Safe Egress: Ensure protest locations do not encroach on university buildings and remain at least 25 feet from all doors and windows.

Components of a Disruption to a Campus Event

Behavior is evaluated for disruption based on the time, place, and manner in which it occurs. Any restrictions on speech must be:

• Content Neutral: Prohibiting content-specific viewpoints is not allowed.
• Narrowly Tailored: Restrictions must serve a governmental interest without being overly broad.
• Alternative Means: Ensure there are ample alternative means to express ideas.

Students or student organizations have the right to freedom of expression to the extent allowed by law. Central reserves the right to make reasonable restrictions on time, place, and manner in certain situations.

Time

Timing of Behaviors: Disruptive behaviors occurring during and near the time of an event.

• Facility Operations: Behaviors preventing a facility from opening or closing at scheduled business hours or conducting normal business.

Place

• University Activities: Behaviors occurring at university-run, university-authorized activities, and university-sponsored events.
• Campus Locations: Behaviors occurring on university property.
• Sponsored Events: Events sponsored by university employees, departments, schools, colleges, divisions, or Registered Student Organizations.
• Approved Venues: Events held in venues approved through the formal CRO process or off-campus lease process.
• Rented Spaces: Events in spaces rented by the university to outside groups.

Manner

Behaviors that materially and substantially disrupt another person's freedom of expression or the ability of others to receive the expression or information intended for the audience. Indicators include:

• Significant Impact: Behaviors that Central staff believe significantly impact the event and do not cease when confronted.
• Escalation: Behaviors that escalate when requested to stop.
• Inconsistent Behaviors: Actions inconsistent with the parameters set up by event organizers.

Examples of Disruptive/Non-Disruptive Behavior

Likely Disruptive

• Blocking others' vision in any manner (e.g., with signs, clothing, props, bodies).
• Producing noise that interferes with events and activities.
• Failing to stop making noise when instructed.
• Using laser pointers.
• Employing sound amplification equipment.
• Turning off lights in a room.
• Activating phone alarms.
• Possessing replica weapons.
• Displaying signs where they are not permitted.

Likely Non-Disruptive

• Holding an 8.5”x11” poster in front of oneself if signs are allowed.
• Using props, costumes, or other items that do not block anyone's view or ability to hear, assuming they are allowed.
• Engaging with a speaker if the speaker chooses to be engaged.
• Wearing clothing with pictures or words.

Summary

Central is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all expressive activities. By adhering to the outlined guidelines and engaging in open communication with the CRO, Student Affairs, and the Central Police Department, individuals and groups can ensure their protests and demonstrations are successful, respectful, and safe. Compliance with these policies not only protects the right to free speech but also ensures the safety and continuity of university operations

October 23, 2024

Rationale and Purpose

Postering, painting and advertising are all applications utilized by students, faculty, and staff to promote activities or provide expressions. Central Connecticut State University is committed to fostering an environment of coordinated open communication, thereby maintaining operational continuity. This process provides clear expectations and guidelines for safe and respectful postering and expressive activities. We encourage individuals and groups planning to utilize Central as a site for expressive activities to reach out to the Central Reservations Office, or Student Affairs prior to initiating an activity related to postering, painting or advertising.

Approval is required for all activities related to postering, painting and advertising with a few exceptions inside personal space, residential rooms, and private offices. To ensure that your activity is not in violation of this policy it is strongly recommended to check with the appropriate office prior to any activities commencing. Application and Administrative Process Postering-Painting-Advertising Posting-Painting-Advertising requires university approval when planning to utilize any outside locations on campus. This includes but is not limited to, poles, windows, electronic monitors, garages, the exterior of all buildings, vehicles, equipment, lawns, and pavement.

Locations that are inside an individual's residence hall are permissible and must be in alignment with the student code of conduct. All other locations inside of university buildings require an administrative process that provides an authorized approval. Guidelines on the authorization process can be reviewed in this document. Any unauthorized displays will be removed immediately. Those responsible for initiating the posting activity will be in violation of university policy and referred to the appropriate office on campus.

Guidelines for Postering

• The maximum size for posters placed on campus is 22 inches by 28 inches.
• A copy of the poster must be submitted with the request. Any changes to the messaging will null and void any decisions previously made.
• No posters or flyers are allowed on windows or doors in any building.
• Posters must be placed on tiled areas or approved bulletin boards only; all others will be removed.
• Posters on tiled areas should be secured by tape only, and by thumbtacks on bulletin boards. Those that fall will be discarded.
• Posters must be removed the day after the advertised event date.
• Club or Department name must appear on the poster.
• Posters to be displayed in various areas must be approved as follows:
  • Student Center (11 by 17 inches maximum)
  • Memorial Hall (11 by 17 inches maximum)
  • Hilltop Café' (11 by 17 inches maximum)
  • Elihu Burritt Library
  • Welte Hall o Kaiser Hall
  • Davidson Hall
  • Marcus White
  • East Hall
  • Central Welcome Center
    • Request through CRO/Building Director
      • Reviewed by Student Affairs / COO / Building Director
    • All Academic Buildings in Hallways
      • Dean or Request through CRO
    • All Academic Buildings in Classrooms (Academic Material Only)
      • Departmental Chair
    • Residence Halls
      • Office of the Director of Residence Life (Mid-Campus)
    • Outside locations and Garages for all Posters, Banners, Lawn Signs, Sidewalk Chalk
      • Request through CRO
        • Reviewed by Student Affairs / COO

Please note: No outside organization shall place posters on campus without written permission from the Chief Operations Officer. No unauthorized or unsolicited handbills, posters, notices, or other similar devices of a temporary nature are to be displayed on the interior or exterior of any campus building, glass windows, doors, parked cars, trees, telephone poles, grounds, etc. on university property. Any unauthorized displays will be removed immediately. Those responsible for initiating the posting activity will be in violation of university policy and referred to the appropriate office on campus.

Guidelines for Painting

• Painting, Artwork, Murals, Decals, Graphics, Chalking and Sculptures all require a written approval before being displayed.
  • A request for any such activity requires a written request directed to the COO and Office of Facilities Management.
  • A copy of the artwork must be submitted with the request. Any changes to the artwork will null and void any decisions previously made.
  • Artwork will be reviewed to ensure it aligns with Title IX, OEI, Academic and Branding Guidelines.
  • Initial approvals will also be forward to the Facilities Planning Committee for final approval before being displayed.
  • The standard duration of any approved artwork will be two concurrent semesters.
  • The costs and funds associated with the creation and the removal of the artwork must be identified when submitting a request.

Please note: No outside organization shall display artwork on campus without written permission from the Chief Operations Officer. No unauthorized artwork is to be displayed on the interior or exterior of any campus building, glass windows, doors, parked cars, trees, telephone poles, grounds, etc. on university property. Any unauthorized displays will be removed immediately. Those responsible for initiating the posting activity will be in violation of university policy and referred to the appropriate office on campus.

Guidelines for Advertising

• Advertising with university message boards, e-mails, university social media or university electronic platforms requires an official request and approval. These platforms are for university business and with an approval shall be utilized by student's faculty and staff. These platforms shall not be utilized for the promotion of outside events.
  • All requests must be submitted to Marketing and Communications with the following information.
    • Content
    • Sponsor: Student, Faculty, Staff, Organization
      • Sponsor contact information.
      • Attached confirmation from CRO if advertising is for an event.
      • Funding source for costs associated with advertising.
    • Guidelines for requester
      • Submit a Jot Form (advance notice is 3 weeks minimum from date of event if no design is required)
      • Submit content with design.
      • Delivery mode • Dates, Times, and Duration
      • Contact Information to answer public questions

Administrative Statement of Action in Case of Campus Disruption

The President of the University as the Chief Executive Officer will not allow any groups of students to take over buildings, disrupt, forcibly interfere with the workings of this University, or infringe upon the rights of others. While a sincere respect for the opinions of each person associated with this University will be maintained, and while normal procedures will be followed, if there be no alternative in protecting the rights and safety of the faculty and students and the property of the University; appropriate law enforcement agencies and the full authority of the judiciary will be utilized. Order must be maintained on campus to ensure that the goals expressed in the preamble to the “Student Code of Conduct and Statement of Disciplinary Procedures” can be achieved.

The University will view the involvement of any faculty member or student in a campus disruption as a violation of the accepted standards of behavior and handle each case individually according to current policies and procedures. At present, students will be subject to the policies and procedures described in the Central Connecticut State University's “Statement of Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities of Students” and faculty members will be subject to the policies and procedures established by the Board of Regents for the Connecticut State Universities.

The Board of Regents “Policy Resolution on Campus Freedom and Order” appears below: Be it Resolved: That the Board of Regents—

1. Affirms and supports for the University the concepts of freedom of thought, inquiry, speech, and lawful assembly;
2. Affirms the rights of individuals and groups in the Universities to assemble, to dissent, to picket, and to demonstrate on the University campuses within the limits of administrative guidelines or regulations; and
3. Affirms the right of all individuals and groups at all times to pursue their normal activities within the Universities and to be protected from physical injury or property damage.

Be it further resolved: That the Board of Regents for State Universities hereby declares that the following are forms of conduct contrary to the purposes and well-being of the State Universities and are prohibited. Such conduct provides grounds for disciplinary proceedings leading to probation, suspension, or expulsion, and to resort to enforcement agencies when necessary.

1. Interfering with the freedom of any person to express his or her views, including invited speakers;
2. Disrupting the orderly conduct of instruction, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other University activities;
3. Interfering, in any manner whatsoever, with the access to or exit from any University campus or the buildings, classrooms, libraries, meeting rooms, offices, or other premises which are duly open to members of the campus community or to other persons;
4. Occupying or utilizing without authorization any building or facility or portion thereof;
5. Damaging or destroying property or removing or using such property without authorization;
6. Possession of firearms or any other dangerous weapons on University premises except by authorized personnel;
7. Physically restraining or detaining any person or removing such person from any place where he or she is authorized or otherwise free to remain; and
8. Failing to comply with directions of University officials acting in performance of their duties.