Exercising Your Right to Free Speech Through Planned Events
- Reserve space/room: Be sure to reserve a room or space for your program/event. Student Organizations can reserve rooms via their SOAR advisor, and by following the applicable student organization policies and procedures. Students who are not affiliated with a registered organization, and who seek space for an event may contact the Dean of Students at 459-4446 for more information.
- Meet with SOAR staff: To discuss the format of the event, location of speaking/program area, moderators and other pertinent issues, to assure a safe and successful event.
- Report to University Officials: Any behavior which you believe disrupts or obstructs the presentation, or if during the program an audience member enters the speaker area without the speaker's (or moderator's) permission.
- Outside Area: Peaceful protest or picketing with leaflets, petitions, singing, chanting or signs is permissable. Such activities may not block entrances/exits, impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Amplified sound may only be used with approval (individuals/groups must request use of amplified sound from the Dean of Students, or, if the event is at a college, the CAO of the college). Protests may not disrupt other University functions or activities (e.g. nearby classes) or programs having reserved space. Areas for protestors may be designated by University officials.
- If confronted with offensive speech/displays during your program: Do not respond physically. State your point of view clearly and calmly. Seek assistance from University staff or the UCSC Police Department if you feel you are being singled out or targeted in a way that is intimidating or frightening.
- Always: Be sure to comply with all applicable University regulations, as well as local, state and federal laws. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action and/or arrest.
How to Express Your Message if you Disagree: Responding to Offensive Speech
- Before, after, or during the program, outside the building/room/event: Peacful protest or picketing with leaflets, petitions, singing or chanting is permissable. Signs are permissable but must not obstruct the view of audience members or block pedestrian access. Protestors with signs may be directed to a designated area within the vicinity of the event. Protestors may not block entrance/exits, impede pedestrian - or vehicular traffic, or prevent others from entering, hearing, seeing, or leaving the program or speech. Protestors may not use amplified sound unless approved by the Dean of Students (CAO for college areas). Protests may not disrupt other University functions or activities (e.g. nearby classes, residents, neighbors) or programs having reserved space.
- During the program, inside the room/event: Peaceful protest and limited vocal response (clapping, chanting, calling question or comments) may be permissable if they do not create a major disturbance or prevent the speaker from communicating to the audience. Audience members may also choose to leave the event as long as they do not obstruct the presentation. Behavior that repeatedly disrupts or obstructs the program, and failure to comply with directives of University officials to cease disruption or leave the area are violations of the Code of Student Conduct and grounds for disciplinary action.
- Before, after, or during program: If you wish to respond to offensive speech, sponsor a separate presentation or program featuring alternative view points, a teach-in, public forum, vigil, counter-demonstration, or exhibit.
- If confronted with offensive speech/displays in a public area: Walk a safe distance away and do not respond physically. State your point of view clearly and calmly. Present your own display. Seek assistance from University staff if you feel you are being singled out or targeted in a way that is intimidating or frightening.
- At any time: Write guest editorials or send letters to the newspaper, to political representatives, to groups, or to individuals.
- At any time: Lend support, reassurance, and empathy to others who may be hurt by offensive messages.
- Always be: Sure to comply with all applicable University regulations, as well as all local, state and federal laws. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action and/or arrest.
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