The University of Michigan has a rich history of student activism focused on improving campus and society. It is our responsibility to ensure a marketplace of diverse ideas and viewpoints throughout the university.
As a public university, we uphold the First Amendment of the US Constitution to protect a person’s speech and rights to 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 activism are to:
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ensure events can occur as planned
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proactively prepare for and address safety concerns
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support students' right to express their perspectives and viewpoints in formal and informal ways
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address disruptions to minimize interruption of planned events
The university regulates the time, place, and manner of speech to ensure one group’s right to protest does not infringe on the rights of others, endanger our community, or disrupt the university's operations or 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.
The time, place, and manner framework established by the U.S. Supreme Court for public institutions allows for speech restrictions to be:
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content neutral
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narrowly tailored to spaces
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provide alternative channels for expression
Time, place, and manner guidelines are 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. University of Michigan administrators can change time, place, and manner guidelines as necessary to respond to the unique considerations of a particular event to ensure the success of the event and the safety of its participants.
Examples of Time, Place, and Manner Guidelines
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Time restrictions:
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Prohibit demonstrations indoors outside of campus building hours.
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Limit the use of amplified sound on campus grounds.
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Schedule specific event times for speakers.
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Place restrictions:
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Establish buffer zones around specific campus locations.
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Cap the number of people who can gather in specific spaces.
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Allow chalking only in designated areas.
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Manner restrictions:
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Prohibit the use of amplified sound inside campus buildings.
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Follow guidelines regarding prohibited items at events or venues.
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Do not paint, post, tape, or deface building facades, grounds, structures, walkways, walls, or trees.
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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.
Policies for Appropriate Use of Spaces on Campus
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Use of University of Michigan Facilities – This policy governs the use and control of all properties and facilities that are owned, controlled, rented, leased, managed, or operated by the Regents of the University of Michigan.
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Guidelines for Posting Flyers, Posters, and Other Related Items – This policy provides guidelines for controlling the placement of flyers, posters, etc., on campus to maintain a safe environment, control waste, and prevent damage to university property.
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Guidelines for the Use of University of Michigan Grounds – This guideline explains the types of activities allowed, eligibility, process for scheduling, and other regulations for the outdoor areas owned by the university.
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University Unions Reservation Policies — This resource for students has information and policies about scheduling and hosting meetings and events inside the University Unions.
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Central Campus Diag/North Campus Grove Policies and Procedures – This resource contains information about reserving the Diag and Grove.
Resources and Guidelines for Campus Demonstrations and Free Speech
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Resources and Guidelines for Campus Demonstrations – Information provided by Public Affairs to the university community with links to policies and resources.
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Free Speech on Campus – Information provided by Public Affairs about the university’s free speech principles with links to policies and resources.
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Protests and Demonstrations – Safety tips from the Division of Public Safety and Security with links to policies and resources.
Contact
Campus Activism Response, Support, and Management
(734) 764-7420
[email protected]