Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tent City?
Below is a recent memo emailed by Gallaudet President I. King Jordan.
Is this IKJ's attempt to quash any possible protests/rallies and the re-establishment of Tent City in the Fall, despite his support for "exchange of ideas...and speech-making"?
You tell me...
(FYI, long memo! However, it is worth reading!)
**********
June 28, 2006
Memorandum
TO: The Campus Community
FROM: I. King Jordan
SUBJECT: Guidelines for Expressive Activities and Assemblies
Following is a document that presents guidelines for expressive
activities and assemblies which was developed at my request by the
Crisis Management Team. The document begins with a review of information
currently included in the Student Handbook and the Administration and
Operations Manual, describes a plan to establish a committee to develop
a policy addressing expression on campus and lists guidelines we will
have in place until a policy is approved by the Board.
At the beginning of the fall semester, I will be in touch again with
more information about the committee.
Gallaudet University Guidelines for
Expressive Activities and Assemblies
Introduction
Gallaudet University, as a private university, recognizes and supports
its community’s desire and efforts in the exchange of ideas, assembly,
and speech-making on campus. As stated in the Gallaudet Vision
Statement, the University, in valuing freedom of expression, views our
entire community as a forum for the exchange of ideas and scholarly
debate; respect for all will be a hallmark of everything we do. This is
further reinforced in the Gallaudet Credo Statement, which says that
every person should be treated with civility and that our community is
strengthened by the broad diversity of its members
Nonetheless, during both semesters in the 2005-2006 academic year, some
members of the University community did, on occasion, exceed the
boundaries of appropriate expression by engaging in behavior that
infringed on the rights of the University to conduct normal business
and/or on the rights of other members of the community. The University
has an obligation to maintain conditions under which our primary
educational purpose may go forward freely without disruption. The
Gallaudet University Code of Conduct defines disruption of University
academic or non-academic activities as an action that “disrupts the
normal operations of the University and infringes on the rights of other
members of the University community, leading or inciting others to
disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or
area, and intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with
freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus”
(2005-06 Student Handbook, page 11). In addition, the Administration and
Operations (A&O) Manual Policy 1.01 (Standards of Conduct) states that
“the expression of dissent and attempt to produce change may not be
carried out in ways that injure individuals, damage institutional
facilities or property, impede the functioning of programs and services,
or evidence a complete disregard for authority and direction.” (A&O
Policy, 1.01)
It is therefore desirable to remind members of our community of the
manner in which they may engage in such expression at Gallaudet and
ensure that expressive activity is conducted on the grounds of the
University in a way that demonstrates civility and respect for others,
respect for University property, and respect for the right of the
University to continue its normal operations, including classes and
business activities.
It is in the University community’s best interest to develop a
University policy addressing expression on campus that reaffirms the
University’s and the community’s values related to freedom of
expression. The policy will govern activities related to the use of
facilities, the manner of expression that is permitted, and the manner
that is prohibited. Similar policies with “time, manner and/or
place” regulations exist at many institutions of higher education. A
committee consisting of appropriate representatives will be established
at the beginning of the fall semester and will be charged with the
development of this policy.
The following guidelines are being established on an interim basis to
ensure the orderly functioning of the University and its members until
the new policy is in place and approved. They do not repeat or replace
existing policies or guidelines related to the scheduling of events, use
of University facilities, or appropriate behavior as described in the
Student Code of Conduct and Administrations and Operations Manual;
rather, the interim guidelines augment and clarify existing policies to
preserve important values and interests of the University community.
Gallaudet University Guidelines for Expressive Activities and
Assemblies
1) All demonstrations, marches, rallies or peaceful assemblies on campus
must be registered[*]* with the appropriate unit responsible for the
location requested (Registrar’s Office, Campus Activities, Business
Services, etc.) at least 2 business days in advance of the activity.
This helps ensure that the organization has appropriate resources for
its activity. In addition, advance notice ensures that there are no
conflicts with other events at the same location, ensures that the
sponsor of the activity will accept all responsibilities pertaining to
sponsoring and supervising the event, and ensures that reasonable steps
are taken to ensure that the use of scheduled facilities complies with
all applicable policies and regulations. It also ensures that public
area activities do not impede pedestrian or vehicular ingress to or
egress from campus, and it ensures that the size and nature of the event
are appropriate for the location.
2) Structures created for the purpose of free expression, other than
those created by the University itself, may not remain on University
property for an extended period of time. Temporary or symbolic
structures, such as booths, tents, canopies, or similar objects or
enclosures, may be placed on University property and may remain
temporarily on campus, but they must be taken down and removed daily by
a specific time, and the area removed of all debris and trash. The
administration’s actions toward the structures will be guided by
attention to the following, or similar, kinds of campus community
interests that structures could infringe upon:
Protecting health and safety;
Preventing damage or risk of damage to University property;
Preserving unimpeded mobility on pathways and streets, entrance to and
departure from buildings, and unimpeded mobility within buildings;
Providing for competing uses of campus grounds;
Avoiding interference with other University activities;
Reasonably limiting costs to the University of increased Department of
Public Safety protection, potential University liability, insurance
coverage, and cleanup and repair after an event.
Limits on the duration, size, and location of structures or symbolic
structures may also be based legitimately upon the desire to preserve
campus aesthetic values.
3) The sponsoring organization/department must obtain a Structure
Scheduling Form from Business Services and obtain approval prior to the
erection of such structures. The sponsoring organization/department will
be required to sign the agreement on the form pertaining to all
responsibilities associated with the temporary structure, including the
removal of such structure, and acceptance of responsibility for any
injuries to persons or property caused by the temporary structure. The
University reserves the right to deny a request to establish a structure
and to request the removal of temporary structures that may be an
unreasonable safety hazard or inflict unreasonable damage to
landscaping.
4) Overnight camping is not allowed on University property. The use of
any part of the campus for living accommodation purposes such as
overnight sleeping (including the laying down of bedding for the purpose
of sleeping), making a fire, or carrying on cooking activities is
prohibited. The use of any tents, motor vehicles or other structures for
sleeping is also prohibited.
5) Signs, posters, banners, and other materials may not be affixed to
the interior or exterior of any University structure without permission
from the appropriate facilities person or person with authority to grant
such permission. Unauthorized postings, etc. will be removed and
discarded by the University.
6) In furtherance of the educational, research, service, and other
legitimate functions of the University, no part of the campus is
generally available for organized activities after 11 p.m. and before 7
a.m. except for official University activities or organization
activities with prior authorization.
7) During the calendar year noise or amplified music must be maintained
at acceptable levels to avoid interference with classes or other
University activities. In compliance with D.C. ordinances, noise must be
kept at reasonable levels after 11 p.m. This allows for the usual and
customary campus events to take place and at the same time supports the
academic mission of the University, the University’s intent to be a
good neighbor with the surrounding D.C. community, and it observes
applicable D.C. ordinances related to noise.
The University will take action through appropriate internal and/or
external procedures against violators of these guidelines as well as
other existing University policies and regulations. Actions taken may
include the denial of approval of future requests for permission to use
University property by the sponsoring organization/department. Any
sponsoring organization or individual may be subject to all applicable
sanctions for violations of these guidelines or other policies, rules,
or regulations of the University.
--------------------
[*] It is understood that spontaneous demonstrations, meetings, and
assemblies sometimes may occur. Any planned or spontaneous
demonstrations, meetings, or assemblies may be conducted in appropriate
areas of the campus with the understanding that they are conducted in a
lawful and orderly manner; do not restrict vehicular or pedestrian
traffic; do not interfere with classes, other scheduled meetings,
events, and ceremonies or with other educational processes of the
University; and are conducted with specific authorization when held in
University buildings, residential areas, or other areas available by
reservation only. The event must have an identified contact person
responsible for the activity, and the organizer must be a member of the
University community (faculty, staff, or student). The University will
recommend an alternative location, date, and/or time if conflicts are
present.
**********
think think?
|
Is this IKJ's attempt to quash any possible protests/rallies and the re-establishment of Tent City in the Fall, despite his support for "exchange of ideas...and speech-making"?
You tell me...
(FYI, long memo! However, it is worth reading!)
**********
June 28, 2006
Memorandum
TO: The Campus Community
FROM: I. King Jordan
SUBJECT: Guidelines for Expressive Activities and Assemblies
Following is a document that presents guidelines for expressive
activities and assemblies which was developed at my request by the
Crisis Management Team. The document begins with a review of information
currently included in the Student Handbook and the Administration and
Operations Manual, describes a plan to establish a committee to develop
a policy addressing expression on campus and lists guidelines we will
have in place until a policy is approved by the Board.
At the beginning of the fall semester, I will be in touch again with
more information about the committee.
Gallaudet University Guidelines for
Expressive Activities and Assemblies
Introduction
Gallaudet University, as a private university, recognizes and supports
its community’s desire and efforts in the exchange of ideas, assembly,
and speech-making on campus. As stated in the Gallaudet Vision
Statement, the University, in valuing freedom of expression, views our
entire community as a forum for the exchange of ideas and scholarly
debate; respect for all will be a hallmark of everything we do. This is
further reinforced in the Gallaudet Credo Statement, which says that
every person should be treated with civility and that our community is
strengthened by the broad diversity of its members
Nonetheless, during both semesters in the 2005-2006 academic year, some
members of the University community did, on occasion, exceed the
boundaries of appropriate expression by engaging in behavior that
infringed on the rights of the University to conduct normal business
and/or on the rights of other members of the community. The University
has an obligation to maintain conditions under which our primary
educational purpose may go forward freely without disruption. The
Gallaudet University Code of Conduct defines disruption of University
academic or non-academic activities as an action that “disrupts the
normal operations of the University and infringes on the rights of other
members of the University community, leading or inciting others to
disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or
area, and intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with
freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus”
(2005-06 Student Handbook, page 11). In addition, the Administration and
Operations (A&O) Manual Policy 1.01 (Standards of Conduct) states that
“the expression of dissent and attempt to produce change may not be
carried out in ways that injure individuals, damage institutional
facilities or property, impede the functioning of programs and services,
or evidence a complete disregard for authority and direction.” (A&O
Policy, 1.01)
It is therefore desirable to remind members of our community of the
manner in which they may engage in such expression at Gallaudet and
ensure that expressive activity is conducted on the grounds of the
University in a way that demonstrates civility and respect for others,
respect for University property, and respect for the right of the
University to continue its normal operations, including classes and
business activities.
It is in the University community’s best interest to develop a
University policy addressing expression on campus that reaffirms the
University’s and the community’s values related to freedom of
expression. The policy will govern activities related to the use of
facilities, the manner of expression that is permitted, and the manner
that is prohibited. Similar policies with “time, manner and/or
place” regulations exist at many institutions of higher education. A
committee consisting of appropriate representatives will be established
at the beginning of the fall semester and will be charged with the
development of this policy.
The following guidelines are being established on an interim basis to
ensure the orderly functioning of the University and its members until
the new policy is in place and approved. They do not repeat or replace
existing policies or guidelines related to the scheduling of events, use
of University facilities, or appropriate behavior as described in the
Student Code of Conduct and Administrations and Operations Manual;
rather, the interim guidelines augment and clarify existing policies to
preserve important values and interests of the University community.
Gallaudet University Guidelines for Expressive Activities and
Assemblies
1) All demonstrations, marches, rallies or peaceful assemblies on campus
must be registered[*]* with the appropriate unit responsible for the
location requested (Registrar’s Office, Campus Activities, Business
Services, etc.) at least 2 business days in advance of the activity.
This helps ensure that the organization has appropriate resources for
its activity. In addition, advance notice ensures that there are no
conflicts with other events at the same location, ensures that the
sponsor of the activity will accept all responsibilities pertaining to
sponsoring and supervising the event, and ensures that reasonable steps
are taken to ensure that the use of scheduled facilities complies with
all applicable policies and regulations. It also ensures that public
area activities do not impede pedestrian or vehicular ingress to or
egress from campus, and it ensures that the size and nature of the event
are appropriate for the location.
2) Structures created for the purpose of free expression, other than
those created by the University itself, may not remain on University
property for an extended period of time. Temporary or symbolic
structures, such as booths, tents, canopies, or similar objects or
enclosures, may be placed on University property and may remain
temporarily on campus, but they must be taken down and removed daily by
a specific time, and the area removed of all debris and trash. The
administration’s actions toward the structures will be guided by
attention to the following, or similar, kinds of campus community
interests that structures could infringe upon:
Protecting health and safety;
Preventing damage or risk of damage to University property;
Preserving unimpeded mobility on pathways and streets, entrance to and
departure from buildings, and unimpeded mobility within buildings;
Providing for competing uses of campus grounds;
Avoiding interference with other University activities;
Reasonably limiting costs to the University of increased Department of
Public Safety protection, potential University liability, insurance
coverage, and cleanup and repair after an event.
Limits on the duration, size, and location of structures or symbolic
structures may also be based legitimately upon the desire to preserve
campus aesthetic values.
3) The sponsoring organization/department must obtain a Structure
Scheduling Form from Business Services and obtain approval prior to the
erection of such structures. The sponsoring organization/department will
be required to sign the agreement on the form pertaining to all
responsibilities associated with the temporary structure, including the
removal of such structure, and acceptance of responsibility for any
injuries to persons or property caused by the temporary structure. The
University reserves the right to deny a request to establish a structure
and to request the removal of temporary structures that may be an
unreasonable safety hazard or inflict unreasonable damage to
landscaping.
4) Overnight camping is not allowed on University property. The use of
any part of the campus for living accommodation purposes such as
overnight sleeping (including the laying down of bedding for the purpose
of sleeping), making a fire, or carrying on cooking activities is
prohibited. The use of any tents, motor vehicles or other structures for
sleeping is also prohibited.
5) Signs, posters, banners, and other materials may not be affixed to
the interior or exterior of any University structure without permission
from the appropriate facilities person or person with authority to grant
such permission. Unauthorized postings, etc. will be removed and
discarded by the University.
6) In furtherance of the educational, research, service, and other
legitimate functions of the University, no part of the campus is
generally available for organized activities after 11 p.m. and before 7
a.m. except for official University activities or organization
activities with prior authorization.
7) During the calendar year noise or amplified music must be maintained
at acceptable levels to avoid interference with classes or other
University activities. In compliance with D.C. ordinances, noise must be
kept at reasonable levels after 11 p.m. This allows for the usual and
customary campus events to take place and at the same time supports the
academic mission of the University, the University’s intent to be a
good neighbor with the surrounding D.C. community, and it observes
applicable D.C. ordinances related to noise.
The University will take action through appropriate internal and/or
external procedures against violators of these guidelines as well as
other existing University policies and regulations. Actions taken may
include the denial of approval of future requests for permission to use
University property by the sponsoring organization/department. Any
sponsoring organization or individual may be subject to all applicable
sanctions for violations of these guidelines or other policies, rules,
or regulations of the University.
--------------------
[*] It is understood that spontaneous demonstrations, meetings, and
assemblies sometimes may occur. Any planned or spontaneous
demonstrations, meetings, or assemblies may be conducted in appropriate
areas of the campus with the understanding that they are conducted in a
lawful and orderly manner; do not restrict vehicular or pedestrian
traffic; do not interfere with classes, other scheduled meetings,
events, and ceremonies or with other educational processes of the
University; and are conducted with specific authorization when held in
University buildings, residential areas, or other areas available by
reservation only. The event must have an identified contact person
responsible for the activity, and the organizer must be a member of the
University community (faculty, staff, or student). The University will
recommend an alternative location, date, and/or time if conflicts are
present.
**********
think think?
|
