SPEAKERS POLICY

1. Purpose:

The purposes of these regulations are to assure the right of free expression and advocacy, to minimize conflict between the exercise of that right and the rights of others in the effective use of University facilities, and to minimize possible interference with the University’s responsibilities as an educational institution.

2. Time, Place, and Manner Regulations:

The time, place, and manner of exercising speech and advocacy on the campus are subject to regulations adopted by the President. Orderly conduct, noninterference with University functions or activities, identification of sponsoring groups or individuals are required. Persons on campus shall not be made involuntary audiences. Outdoor sound amplification will be permitted only with explicit approval of the Vice President for Student Services.

3. Non-University Speakers:

A. Student organizations recognized by the ASUSC or members of the faculty may invite non-University speakers to address meeting on campus as long as prior notice is given to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. The notice should ordinarily be given at the time the facility is being reserved. Except for unusual circumstances, the notice must be at least one week before the meeting or event is to occur. Student groups which have not been recognized by the ASSCU may not invite non-University speakers to address meetings on campus.

B. Whenever the President considers it appropriate in furtherance of educational objectives, he may require either or both of the following:

(1) That the meeting be chaired by a person approved by the President, and
(2) That the speaker is subject to questions from the audience.

C. A request made by a recognized student organization or faculty member may be denied only if the President, or his authorized designee determines, after appropriate inquiry, that the proposed speech will constitute a clear and present danger to the orderly operation or peaceful conduct of campus activities by the speaker’s advocacy of such actions as:

Willful damage or destruction, or seizure of University buildings or other
property; or
Forcible disruption or impairment of, or in interference with, classes or other
University activities; or
Physical harm, coercion, intimidation, or other invasion of the rights of the
University students, faculty, staff, or guest; or
(4) Advocacy of violation of law; or
(5) Other disorder of a violent or seriously disruptive nature.

4. Reservation of Facilities for Meetings or Other Events:

Designated University facilities may be reserved for meetings and other events by applying at the Division of Continuing Education (cf. Administration Handbook, appendix).

5. University Approval:

The person or organization sponsoring a speaker or event may be required by the President or his authorized designee to explicitly state in its advertisements, announcements and new releases that,
“The presence of a guest speaker on the campus of the University of Santa Clara does not necessarily imply approval or endorsement by the University of the views expressed by the guest speaker or by anyone else present at the event.”

The President may also require that the above statement be read at the beginning of the Event.

Approved by Board of Trustees
10 February 1971

 
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