Student Activism on Campus

The University of Michigan has a rich history of student activism focused on improving campus and society. It is our responsibility to support and protect a marketplace of diverse ideas and viewpoints throughout the university. 

As a public university, we uphold the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects the public’s rights to speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition (see SPG 601.1: Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression).

Overall Goals

Our overall goals when it comes to supporting campus speech are to:

• enable events to occur successfully

• proactively prepare for and address safety concerns 

• enable students to express their perspectives and viewpoints in formal and informal ways

• address disruptions to minimize interruption of planned events

We encourage groups interested in planning an event or demonstration to contact the Campus Activism Response, Support, and Management team at (734) 764-7420 or by emailing [email protected] to develop a plan for upcoming events.

Time, Place, and Manner

U-M uses time, place, and manner guidelines to regulate when, where, and how demonstrations and events occur at the university. Time, place, and manner restrictions are lawful and allow institutions, like U-M, to regulate the circumstances surrounding events, not the message of the event or speaker itself.

Time, place, and manner guidelines may be specific to a particular venue, location, or space on campus. Existing policies that outline how a venue or space can be utilized already incorporate appropriate time, place, and manner guidelines. 

Examples of Time, Place, and Manner Guidelines

• Time restrictions: 

  • Prohibit demonstrations indoors outside of campus building hours.

  • Schedule specific event times for speakers.

• Place restrictions: 

  • Establish buffer zones around specific campus locations.

  • Cap the number of people who can gather in specific spaces.

  • Allow chalking only in designated areas.

• Manner restrictions: 

  • Prohibit the use of amplified sound inside campus buildings and on campus grounds.

  • Follow guidelines regarding prohibited items at events or venues.

  • Do not paint, post, tape, or deface building facades, grounds, structures, walkways, walls, or trees.

Alleged violations of time, place, and manner policies could lead to individual or student organization accountability processes.

General Reminders about Recognized Student Organization Activities

Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), like individuals, are free to gather and express themselves within the bounds of the law and university policies. All RSO activities must comply with the University of Michigan's rules, regulations, and policies, including the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Standards of Conduct for Recognized Student Organizations, and the Use of University of Michigan Facilities.

Activities must not substantially disrupt academic activities, university operations, university-sponsored events, or the activities of others.