Page 9 - Vincennes University 2022-2023 Student Planner

b. Did not know the nature of wrongfulness of the conduct at the time of the offense.
Policy on Public Speaking, Leaflet Distribution, and Demonstrations
Vincennes University supports the right of the University community to engage in public speaking, leaflet distribution, and demonstrations provided such activities do not disrupt normal activities or infringe upon the rights of others. Members of the University community are defined for purposes of this policy as University students, employees, and registered student organizations. Public speaking is defined for purposes of this policy as speech directed to a general audience, non-specific persons, or directed to specific persons at random.
The University will not allow behavior that violates freedom of speech, choice, assembly, or movement of other individuals or organizations. In short, responsible dissent carries with it sensitivity for the civil rights of others. Accordingly, the University will take whatever steps it deems necessary to:
• Protect the right of any member of the University community to demonstrate and publicly proclaim any view, however unpopular; and
• Protect the freedom of speech, assembly, and movement of any individual or group that is the object of the demonstration.
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 Director of Student Activities office on the Vincennes Campus or the Director of Student Services on the Jasper Campus. The 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.
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