FAQ for Free Expression on Campus
The free expression and discussion of ideas is essential to our university’s core mission and values. We encourage open and civil discussion, debate, and exploration of ideas and viewpoints while we preserve the right of all in our community to learn, teach, and carry out the university’s essential work. Expressive conduct must comply with applicable laws and university policies.
Following a review of university policies for expressive activities at Rutgers, we are providing our faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors with this compilation of our existing policies around speech and expression along with resources and contacts for more information. The guidelines apply across all Rutgers campuses.
Accordion Content
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With a university population of more than 100,000 community members, consideration must be given to the spaces and guidelines for expressive activities at Rutgers to provide for the safety of participants and to avoid disruption of educational, clinical, research, or business functions at the university.
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Individuals wishing to hold public forums at Rutgers are required to submit the Free Expression Notification Form for the appropriate campus at least three business days in advance of the scheduled demonstration and obtain a Free Expression Permit. Hyperlinks to Free Expression Notification Forms can be found in section 8.0 of the Guidelines.
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The university maintains the right, and the responsibility, to determine appropriate time, place, and manner restrictions to ensure that expressive activities do not interfere with or disrupt educational, clinical, research, or business functions of the university, as well as to provide protections for public health, safety, and welfare.
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Consistent with University Policy 20.1.9, demonstrations may be held between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and must not disrupt the academic, clinical, research, and business operations of the university.
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Obtaining a permit ensures that a request made through a Free Expression Notification Form is adequately reviewed by student affairs, public safety, and other staff to ensure participants’ safety and adherence to fire/safety regulations. The university cannot assure the availability of a space or approve the expressive activities desired without proper notice.
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With environmental remediation and other construction work underway at Brower Commons in New Brunswick, the university has designated Records Field on George Street as a free expression space on the College Avenue campus.
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No. Encampments are not allowed at Rutgers.
Rutgers had a decades-long tradition of peaceful free expression events in which students set up tents in an approved space. The accommodation was based on mutual respect and included the understanding that they were student-led events and no disruption of university business would occur. As recent disruptive events illustrated, this is no longer the case and to ensure the safety and security of the Rutgers community encampments are no longer allowed.
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Individuals may demonstrate and/or leaflet outside the location of the scheduled program within a designated area established by the Rutgers University Police Department to prevent disruption to the scheduled speaker or event. Those who enter the scheduled event as audience members must not disrupt the program. Demonstrators may not hinder the ability of participants to enter or exit the event.
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The right to freedom of expression includes peaceful protests and orderly demonstrations. However, per Rutgers Disruptions Policy, 50.3.5, the right to protest does not include the right to engage in conduct that intentionally or recklessly interferes with the university’s operations or infringes on the rights of other members of the community.
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- Conduct that may constitute a criminal offense should be immediately reported to the Rutgers University Police Department. Call 911 in the event of an emergency.
- Employee or third party conduct that may involve violations of university policies prohibiting discrimination and/or harassment based on membership in a protected class, sexual harassment (including under Title IX), workplace violence, and whistleblower retaliation may be reported to the Rutgers Office of Employment Equity. All faculty and supervisors have an affirmative duty to report alleged violations of these Policies to the Office of Employment Equity.
- Employee or third party conduct that may involve violations of any other university policies may be reported to Rutgers University Ethics & Compliance.
- Student conduct that may violate university policies, including the University Code of Student Conduct and Students Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures, may be reported to the Student Affairs Office of your relevant Chancellor-Led Unit. For more information, visit New Brunswick, Newark, Camden, and Rutgers Health.
- In addition, employees who witness, experience, or have concerns about a violation of a university policy may also consult with their department leadership to discuss appropriate actions.
- Conduct that may constitute a criminal offense should be immediately reported to the Rutgers University Police Department. Call 911 in the event of an emergency.