The University of Oklahoma is dedicated to fostering the free exchange of ideas and opinions and is committed to the principles of free speech and expression. Likewise, the University recognizes the historic significance of speech and assembly in society generally and on college campuses in particular. Expressive activity can take innumerable forms such as picketing activity, silent symbolic speech, or even writing an opinion piece published on social media. Consistent with the Constitution of the United States and the Oklahoma Constitution, the University recognizes the rights of students and faculty to engage in all forms of protected activity. These rights are codified in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code, which acknowledges the rights of students to peaceably assemble, inform, or protest, in the Academic Freedom and Responsibility Policy, which adopts the principles of academic freedom for the faculty of the University of Oklahoma, and in the adoption of the Chicago Statement by the Board of Regents in November of 2022 (PDF).
This Policy does not apply to the University’s official use of its spaces for University programs and activities.
This Policy does not apply to Special Events. A Special Event is defined as any activity proposed to take place on University property that alters the property’s ordinary use, requires University resources (e.g., electricity), and/or involves the erecting or placement of tents, structures, stages, platforms, inflatables, fixed equipment, automotive vehicles, aircraft, or other mobile craft in an effort to assemble persons for the purposes of live entertainment/performances, celebrations, attractions, participation, races, walks, runs, parades, fairs, festivals, rides, competitions, sponsored outdoor catered events, and similar occasions. Special Events: [Norman/ OUHC/ Tulsa]
I. Principles
The right to freedom of speech and assembly is expansive but not unlimited. The University reserves the right to enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activity as set forth in this Policy and University policies governing facilities use. These policies are viewpoint- and content-neutral and are designed to limit disruption to normal business operations, patient care, and academic operations on campus and to promote campus safety. All speakers, regardless of point of view, are prohibited from interfering with the campus community’s ability to move safely about campus and to conduct University business. The University also reserves the right to discipline or request that law enforcement remove any speaker who is unlawfully inciting violence or otherwise violating the law or University policy against any person or group of people. Harassment, as defined by Oklahoma law, Harassment as defined by the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy, Sexual Harassment, as defined in the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Harassment Policy, and Disorderly Conduct, as defined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code and this Policy, are not recognized as protected speech. In certain limited cases, speech that would otherwise be protected may also subject the speaker to discipline if it violates the speaker’s duties as a student or employee of the University (e.g., dishonesty is prohibited conduct). Notwithstanding its broader definition, for the purposes of this Policy, “expressive activity” means conduct, the sole or principal object of which is the expression, dissemination, or communication by verbal, visual, literary, or auditory means of opinion, views, or ideas. Expressive activity includes, but is not limited to, public oratory and the distribution of literature. It includes assemblies, rallies, demonstrations, or protests where individuals gather for a common expressive purpose.
II. Policies for Spontaneous and Organized Outdoor Assembly and Demonstrations
III. Policies for Use of Interior University Areas
The interior areas of all University-owned or -operated buildings are designated as either nonpublic or limited public fora. Any activity, including expressive activity, that has the effect of obstructing ingress or egress to any facility, disrupting normal operations (e.g., blocking food service operations, sit-ins, obstructing business services), disrupting operating hours, or exceeding allowable capacity is prohibited.
Visitors to campus are not permitted inside academic buildings, patient care facilities, or student housing except with prior approval and in connection with University business (e.g., campus tours, invited guests, contractors), or where the facility welcomes the general public or patients (e.g., Bizzell Library on Norman Campus, Robert M. Bird Library on HSC Campus, Schusterman Library on OU Tulsa Campus).
IV. General Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions
Except in cases where prior approval has been granted for Special Events and official University purposes, such as performances or exhibitions or for students and employees requiring tools for academic purposes, the following are prohibited:
People engaged in expressive activity on campus must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and applicable University policies. The following conduct is also specifically prohibited:
Any person who violates these policies and/or any other state or federal law, local ordinance, or University policy may be subject to criminal or civil penalties, student, or employee disciplinary consequences, being trespassed from the University, and/or revocation of rights to attend University events.
A Campus Event Response Team (CERT) has been established on Norman Campus and OUHC campus to support student well-being and safety during campus protests, demonstrations, and select events during which there is a potential for counter demonstration, heightened campus engagement, or increased need for student support. CERT provides student support regardless of the content or viewpoint held by those engaged in expressive activity. CERT: [Norman/ OUHC].
People engaged in expressive activity on campus must not disrupt or obstruct University activity. Disruptions and obstructions include but are not limited to speech or expressive conduct when the manner, location, duration, volume, or accompanying behavior materially and substantially interferes with teaching, learning, research, administration, healthcare, residential operations, public safety functions, or the ability of others to listen, participate, study, work, or move about campus. Examples of prohibited disruptive or obstructive conduct include:
V. Objections to Expressive Activity and Adverse Effects
The University recognizes that individuals or groups may be opposed to certain expressive activities or speakers. Disagreement with different opinions is acceptable; however, use of violence or harassment or violating law or University policy is counter to creating an environment where issues can be openly discussed. An individual or group wishing to protest an event is subject to the same standards as the presenters. Individuals who choose to listen bear the responsibility of recognizing and honoring the right of free speech.
In some cases, a speaker’s choice to exercise their rights to constitutionally protected expressive activity could nonetheless contribute to a negative working or learning environment for others. Any person whose right to learn, seek care, or work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment or is negatively impacted by the expressive activity of others may be entitled to receive supportive measures from the Office of Institutional Equity by contacting ieo@ou.edu or filing a report on EthicsPoint. Threats of immediate harm in such instances should be reported to campus police or local law enforcement, as appropriate.
