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Members of the University community sponsoring or organizing a public speaking event, distributing leaflets, demonstrating
or carrying out other equivalent activity will be held responsible for compliance with this policy. Sponsorship does not
relieve participating individuals from responsibility for their conduct. Vincennes University students participating in a
public speaking event, leaflet distribution, demonstration or equivalent activity, whether sponsored or not, are accountable
for compliance with the provisions of this policy as well as the Standards of Student Behavior. Violation of this policy may
be grounds for disciplinary action against individuals, sponsoring or participating student organizations, and their officers.
Members of the University community may invite individuals who are not members of the University community to
participate in a public speaking event, distribute leaflets, demonstrate, or carry out equivalent activities. University
members who invite non-University participants may be held accountable for their compliance with this policy. Failure by
non-University participants to comply with this policy may result in appropriate action under State law.
Guidelines for Scheduled Public Speaking, Leaflet Distribution or Demonstrations by Members of the
University Community
Members of the University community may schedule a public speaking or leafleting event, demonstration, or other
equivalent activity in any outdoor area of the campus, the use of which is not otherwise restricted or scheduled. To schedule
an event a “Notice of Intent” form must be submitted to the Dean of Students office on the Vincennes Campus or the
Director of Student Services on the Jasper Campus. The Dean of Students or Director of Student Services will respond
promptly with approval given on a first-come, first-serve basis after an assessment that such an event will not otherwise
interfere with scheduled University use or fail to comply with the guidelines outlined in this document. In the event a
request is denied, an appeal may be made to the Assistant Provost for Student Affairs on the Vincennes campus or the Dean
on the Jasper campus, who shall respond promptly to any such appeal.
Persons distributing leaflets are to refrain from littering and may be held responsible for costs incurred as a result of
littering. Distribution is defined as individuals handing materials to other individuals who may accept them or refrain from
receiving them. Leaving materials unattended on a surface to be picked up is considered littering, not distribution.
Leaflets, announcements, statements, or materials proposing a commercial transaction or pertaining to the sales of goods or
services are considered commercial speech and are not covered by this policy but rather the University Sales Policy.
Guidelines for Unscheduled Demonstrations by Members of the University Community
It is the intent of this policy to ensure that all demonstrations on campus occur with minimal threat to the safety and security
of persons or facilities through proper planning and scheduling. Occasionally, events occur which demand immediate public
outcry, and it is not the intent of this policy to limit the students’ rights to protest such events.
Members of the University community may hold unscheduled demonstrations, rallies, or equivalent activities, provided the
activity does not interfere with routine University functions or does not interfere with an activity in a space which has been
reserved in advance. In deciding whether a demonstration is spontaneous, for which no registration is required, the
University may consider any relevant evidence, including:
Whether signs or placards used at the demonstration were commercially produced,
Whether participants used amplification equipment,
Whether security was alerted, or media contacted, substantially in advance of the demonstration, or
Whether other circumstances demonstrate advance planning by one or more organizations.
Public Speaking, Leaflet Distribution, or Demonstrations by Uninvited Individuals
Individuals who have not been invited by a member of the University community and who desire to engage in public
speaking, leaflet distribution, or demonstrations outdoors on the University’s campus may do so only in accordance with the
following procedures
:
1.
Persons wishing to engage in public speaking, leaflet distribution, or demonstrations are required to reserve space by
submitting a “Notice of Intent” form at the Vincennes campus to the Dean of Students or the Director of Student
Services at the Jasper Campus. Events are approved on a space-available basis. Priority will be given to University
departments, registered student organizations, students, faculty and staff. Dates are valid only when authorized by the
Dean of Students or Director of Student Services on the “Notice of Intent” form. Application may not be made more
than ten (10) business days prior to the date of anticipated use. In the event a request is denied, an appeal may be made
to the Assistant Provost for Student Affairs at the Vincennes campus or the Dean at the Jasper campus, who shall
respond promptly to any such appeal.
