Iowa State University is a free speech campus and encourages students, employees and visitors to engage in respectful dialogue. The campus community is free to exercise its First Amendment rights by sharing ideas, gathering and organizing demonstrations on campus. University policy includes restrictions for time, place and manner of campus demonstrations that are consistent with First Amendment principles.
What you need to know
Iowa State University’s Principles of Community encourage honest and respectful expression of ideas. However, there are consequences when university policies and state and federal laws are violated. Students, employees and visitors may face disciplinary action for:
- Destruction of campus property and/or individual property
- Violence and direct threats of violence
- Encampments on campus grounds or inside campus buildings
- Disrupting university operations, including conduct that interferes with the activities of other persons or impedes campus operations
- Violation of campus policies outlined above as well as those detailed in the Student Code of Conduct and the university policy library.
An important part of protecting free speech is not interfering with the free speech rights of others. That includes the rights of a speaker on campus. You may protest speakers, but you may not prevent a speaker from expressing their views or prevent other members of the community from hearing or seeing the speaker.
If you have questions, contact the Demonstration Safety Team at demonstration@iastate.edu. If you expect more than 50 people to attend, you are encouraged to register the event with Risk Management.
Location
- You may use any outdoor area of campus as long as you comply with the following:
- Do not block access to sidewalks, buildings or facilities.
- Demonstrations held prior to 5 p.m. Monday- Friday cannot be within 100 feet of classroom buildings.
- Demonstrations are not allowed near the entrances to Thielen Student Health Center, Student Services Building, ISU Athletics facilities and outdoor areas, and the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center.
- Demonstrations are not permitted in private offices, private residences and classrooms, as well as seminar rooms, auditoriums or meeting rooms in which classes or private meetings are being held.
Time
- Outdoor events are allowed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Signs and sound
- Signs or banners must be carried and cannot be left unattended. No amplified sound is allowed other than hand-held megaphones.
Lighting
- Light projections may not be displayed on any university building or structure.
Structures and barriers
- No structures, barriers or other unattended objects may be erected or placed on university property.
Camping/overnight demonstrations
- Encampments and overnight demonstrations of any kind are not allowed.
Flames
- Open flames and open flame devices are not permitted.