Guidelines for Free Expression at Rutgers

What Do the Guidelines Do?

• Define the appropriate time, place, and manner restrictions to ensure expressive activities do not interfere with education, research, or business functions of the university
• List universitywide designated public forum areas
• Identify the procedures for scheduling demonstrations
• Identify the procedures for protesting a campus speaker or event
• Articulate standards for other forms of campus promotion and engagement

All members of the Rutgers University community – including students, faculty, staff, alumni, visitors, and external groups – are free to express their viewpoints in public forums as private citizens. These rights of free expression are guaranteed by the First Amendment.

It is a fundamental tenet of a liberal arts education that students be exposed to a marketplace of ideas and be able to discern for themselves what they believe. At Rutgers, we strive to teach students how to think, not what to think. As such, we will not move to silence any viewpoints on any issues, as long as the expression of such viewpoint is within the bounds of the law and university policy. Our university is a community of diverse ideas, organizations, and perspectives.

The wide variety of programming at Rutgers highlights that not all our university community members share the same background, beliefs, opinions, or interests. Embracing this diversity, we strongly support the right of free speech – including the right to express views that seem offensive to others – but expect all community members including visitors and external groups to obey the law, comply with university policies, engage in civil discussions, and treat each other with dignity and respect.

Required Permits for Demonstration at Rutgers

Individuals wishing to hold demonstrations or other public forums at Rutgers are required to submit the Free Expression Notification Form for their associated campus at least three (3) business days in advance of the scheduled demonstration and obtain a Free Expression Permit. For those situations in which advanced planning is impossible, Student Affairs must still be notified and the campus Free Expression Notification Form must be submitted.

Demonstrations or public forums with an anticipated attendance of more than 10 may require advanced planning with Student Affairs staff and/or Rutgers University Police Department, and other offices as necessary or directed, to ensure participants' safety and adherence to fire/safety regulations. We cannot assure the availability of the space or approve the expressive activities desired without proper notice.

• All demonstrations must apply for and receive an approved Free Expression Permit in advance. 
• Free Expression demonstrations that occur on city property or involve marching in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden require permits from the host cities. 
• Event organizer must have possession of the Free Expression Permit and produce it when asked.

 Free Expression Notification Forms

Designated Public Forum Areas at Rutgers

The following designated public forum spaces have been approved for demonstrations and expressive activities on the Rutgers University campuses.  

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY – NEW BRUNSWICK

Busch Campus
The lawn adjacent to the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and Busch Student Center

College Avenue Campus
Records Field

Cook Campus
Cook Student Center Patio

Livingston Campus
The grass area in the front of Livingston Student Center

Douglass Campus
The patio and grass area on the Nichol Avenue side of the Douglass Student Center

RUTGERS HEALTH

Newark Campus
The open quad between NJMS and the Dental School

New Brunswick Campus
The open area behind the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY – NEWARK

• In front of Norman Samuels Plaza on the brick walkway or lawn
• In front of the Robeson Campus Center – not blocking the entrance

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY – CAMDEN

• Campus Center Quad (grass area next to entrance)
• The Camden Gym and Recreation Center quad (grass area next to entrance)
• The Law School West (picnic area across from Classroom Penn 401)
• The Fine Arts Building (grassy area to the right of the Gordon Theater entrance)

Conditions for Demonstration at Rutgers

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, research, or business functions of the university, as well as to provide protections for public health, safety, and welfare.

The following general conditions apply to all Rutgers University campuses:

• Activities must be conducted in a way that is consistent with federal, state, and local laws.
• Activities must be conducted in a way that is consistent with the rules, regulations, and policies of Rutgers University, including the University Code of Student Conduct and the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment.
• Activities must provide for the safety and well-being of individual members and the campus community. This includes abiding by guidelines established by the State of New Jersey and/or the Federal Government.
• Activities must allow for the continuation of academic activities, university operations, and university-sponsored events.
• Activities are subject to all lawful orders and safety directives issued by the Rutgers University Police Department, Rutgers Office of Emergency Management, Rutgers Division of Emergency Services, respective Divisions of Student Affairs, and other university officials acting in the performance of their duties. This may include orders to disperse should a demonstration become unlawful, unsafe, or noncompliant with guidelines and/or the Free Expression Permit. 

Read the Rutgers University Guidelines for Free Expression on Campus