Using Your Voice

Start the Conversation and Dialogue

More speech is always better than less. When it comes to speech that we don’t agree with or find offensive, speak out, don’t shut it down. College campuses are host to diverse ideas and speakers that bring forth different views and perspectives. Rutgers has hosted speakers from a variety of perspectives, with the majority invited through student programs and faculty-led lecture series. This includes Sonya Sotomayor, Hillary Clinton, Chris Christie, Candace Owens, and Ben Shapiro to name a few.  

• Instead of canceling speakers, speaking gives us the opportunity to listen and become informed.
• Listening to other views helps us learn all sides of an issue and become better informed to fully establish our beliefs and decisions.
• If speakers are canceled or not allowed to speak, we miss the chance to hear different perspectives, decide if we agree or disagree. It also stops other students from hearing different perspectives. 
• More speech also allows us to engage in debate to counter and discredit the ideas presented.

In this way, free speech is inclusive. Everyone has the right to speak, everyone has the right to be heard and everyone can be informed.

Using Your Voice – Free Expression on Campus

Public universities cannot regulate speech in public forums and must remain neutral in subject matter and viewpoint.

Certain locations on campus are not public forums and are not available for events, meetings, or demonstrations unless an exemption is granted. These include:

• Private offices and research laboratories
• Facilities with sensitive materials, equipment or records such as some offices, museums, and libraries
• Classrooms or meeting spaces where classes or other activities are already being held
• Health Services, CAPS, and other clinical facilities

Expressive activities should not disrupt normal University operations. Be aware of activities that might:

• Block access to campus buildings
• Block or hinder access to campus services
• Obstruct the free movement of persons about campus
• Interrupt classes

Tips for Planning a Free Expressive Activity

Prior to the Event:

• Review University policies, including the University Code of Student Conduct, Disruption Policy, and the Student Organization Guidelines for Free Expression on Campus.
• Develop a Plan: meet with your Campus Adviser or a staff member in Student Centers and Activities, the Cultural Centers, or the Offices of the Dean of Students to discuss logistics such as format, location, speakers, and any other items you think will lead to a safe and successful event.
• Fill out the Public Forum Notification Form: Filling out this form at least three days in advance can help you secure the site you wish to use.

During the Event:

• Speak with Demonstration Safety Team Members: The Demonstration Safety Team is made up of staff members from Student Affairs in attendance. Let them know who is in charge from your organization and what the plan for the event entails. The Safety Team is there for observation purposes only but will work with the organization and RUPD if intervention is needed.
• Communicate Your Plan to Attendees: Meet with organization members and demonstration participants to discuss the purpose of the event and what they should do if confronted by threats, harassment, or violence during the event. Groups should not respond physically – someone should call 911 immediately. Attendees should also be aware of University policies and procedures, as they also can be held responsible for their actions.
• Report safety concerns promptly: If something occurs and you need assistance find a member of RUPD or call 911 immediately.

After the Event:

• Follow up with members and participants to debrief the event.
• Meet with Campus Advisor to think about next steps.
   

Recording in Public Areas

Participants may use recording devices or cameras at events that are open to the public, provided it follows the University Code of Student Conduct (see Section VII.M. Undisclosed Recording).

Chalking on University Property

Chalking on university property is allowed if approved in advance on the Free Expression Permit. All approved chalking will be removed by Rutgers Facilities after a period of 24 hours. Unauthorized chalking will be removed immediately by Rutgers Facilities. Approved chalking must be of a temporary nature, soluble with water, and which does not permanently adhere to any structure. Marker, paint, ink, or other non-chalk materials are prohibited. In accordance with University Policy 20.1.9, all divisions and department administrators are responsible for effective use of all spaces assigned to them.

Posting of Flyers

Bulletin boards in the Student Centers, Recreation Centers, Dining Halls, Residence Halls, and University Buildings are for the purpose of promoting Rutgers University departmental, registered student organization, and fraternity and sorority programs and events, unless expressly stated otherwise. The departments operating these spaces should be contacted directly for their specific posting policies. In accordance with University Policy 20.1.9, all divisions and department administrators are responsible for effective use of all spaces assigned to them. 

No flyers or stickers may be placed outside of authorized areas on university properties. All unauthorized signage or posters, regardless of message, will be removed. This includes outside of buildings, bus stops, light poles, and associated areas. 

Students or student organizations wishing to post signs or other objects in green spaces need to work with Institutional Planning and Operations at least a week in advance.

Still Have Questions?

When in doubt please feel free to contact a staff member in Student Centers and Activities, one of the Cultural Centers, or a staff member in the Offices of the Dean of Students. We can answer questions about public forums on campus, assist with planning, and provide you with access to University policies and procedures.

Free Expression Resources

Click here for the Rutgers University Free Expression Guidelines

Click here for the Rutgers University Free Expression Website

Offices of the Dean of Students
Website
848-932-2300

Student Centers and Activities
Website
848-932-6978

Asian America Cultural Center
Website
848-445-8043

Center for Latino Arts and Culture
Website
848-932-1263

Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
Website
848-445-4141

Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Website
848-445-3545

Rutgers University Police
Website
848-932-7211