Appendix L

Policy Governing Outdoor Speeches, Demonstrations, Distribution of Written Material and Marches

No rights are more highly regarded at the University of West Georgia than the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of expression and the right to assemble peaceably. The university remains firmly committed to affording groups and individuals the opportunity to engage in peaceful and orderly protests and demonstrations. In order to achieve this objective, while at the same time insuring that the university fulfills its educational mission, the university has the responsibility to regulate the time, place and manner of expression. This regulation is to assure equal opportunity for all persons, preserve order within the campus community, protect and preserve university property and provide a secure environment to individuals exercising freedom of expression.

The following provisions and regulations shall apply:

A. SPEECHES AND DEMONSTRATIONS. The open areas designated for speeches and demonstrations are the Quad and outside the University Community Center, Library and Food Service Building. Use of these areas will be approved through the Student Activities Office acting on behalf of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Individuals and groups may use these areas between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, when school is in session for speaking, demonstrating and other forms of expression. A request for use of these areas must be made forty-eight hours in advance of the event. All structures, signs and litter resulting from the activity must be removed from the area by the end of the event. Groups or individuals may only use those designated areas once per month and for a maximum period of two days.

B. DISTRIBUTION OF WRITTEN MATERIAL. Pamphlets, handbills, circulars, newspapers, magazines and other materials which are protected by the First Amendment may be distributed on a person to person basis on the Quad and outside the University Community Center, Library and the Food Service Building between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, when school is in session. In accordance with the University Posting Policy, handbills cannot be placed on cars. Tables must be reserved forty-eight hours in advance with the Office of Student Activities. The university maintains a position of neutrality as to the content of any written material distributed on the campus under this policy.

C. MARCHES. Marches may take place on streets and sidewalks of the campus and community between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, when school is in session. Plans for an event of this nature must be approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, City of Carrollton, and the University Police Office forty-eight hours in advance. Limitations may be placed on the time, place and manner of such an event in order to serve the interests of safety, prevent disruption of the educational process and protect the rights of others. Marches off campus must be approved by appropriate governing bodies.

D. PROVISIONS. In order that the persons exercising freedom of expression not interfere with the operation of the university or rights of others the following shall apply without exception to any form of expression.

1. Events which may obstruct vehicular, pedestrian or other traffic must be approved at least forty-eight hours in advance by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

2. Use of sound amplification on campus is regulated and must be approved at least forty-eight hours in advance by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

3. There must be no obstruction of entrances or exits to buildings.

4. There must be no interference with educational activities inside or outside of buildings.

5. There must be no harassment of passersby or other disruptions of normal activities.

6. There must be no interference with scheduled university ceremonies or events.

7. Malicious or unwarranted damage to, or destruction of property owned or operated by the university or by students, faculty, staff or visitors to the university is prohibited. Persons or organizations causing such damage will be held financially and legally responsible. The group or individual may be required to provide proof of liability insurance depending on the nature of the activity.

8. There must be compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and university rules and regulations. Violators will be referred for appropriate legal or disciplinary action.

9. Exceptions to this policy may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.