Subject: Governance
Board Policy
The Board, the CSU System, and its constituent institutions (the “System Institutions”) recognize and acknowledge the rights of students and others to engage in free speech and to assemble in groups for peaceful purposes in accordance with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and applicable state law. In addition, the Board, the CSU System, and the System Institutions expect that there will be no endangerment to health or safety and that any gatherings or events must not disrupt the normal conduct and operations of the System Institutions or endanger persons or property.
The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States assures that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble ….” These rights to free speech and peaceful assembly are afforded and protected by the Board, the CSU System, and the System Institutions. In addition, the Board, the CSU System, and the System Institutions may, consistent with the Constitution and applicable law, require compliance with reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions that are content-neutral, narrowly tailored to serve a significant governmental interest, and leave open ample alternative channels for communication of the information or message. These restrictions are enforced in a content-neutral manner to assure the safety of the campus community and the orderly operations of the System Institutions.
This policy both facilitates the exercise of these rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, and protects the community at each System Institution.
Procedures and Guidelines
In accordance with this policy, each System Institution must adopt its own policies, procedures, or guidelines to ensure that this policy is followed in order to respect those rights established by the First Amendment and applicable state law, and to protect the health and safety of the campus community and prevent disruption to the normal conduct and operations of the System Institutions. These policies, procedures, or guidelines shall, at a minimum, address the following: (a) different types of areas, locations and venues that may be online or on campus, including a public forum, a student forum, and non-public areas; (b) when reservations should be required to reserve space or hold an event on campus; and (c) specific guidelines for large events that may be hosted or sponsored on University property. It is essential that each System Institution minimizes risks to the health, safety, and security of event participants and the campus community, and protects the rights of free expression by event sponsors, participants, and the community.
History
- Effective Feb. 9, 2018, by Board Resolution