Policy on Demonstrative Events

Title

Policy on Demonstrative Events

Introduction

Purpose

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (University) respects the First Amendment rights of students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors, including the right to peacefully protest. These rights must be balanced with the University's need to maintain human safety, protect public property, and enable the University's customary operations to be performed. The University exercises its right to establish and enforce reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of protests, demonstrations, and other expressive activities at its facilities both indoors and outdoors.

Scope of Applicability

This policy applies to students, faculty, and staff of the University, as well as any visitors to campus.

Policy

With respect to University buildings open to the public, during a building's normal University business hours, the following rules shall be in effect for activities that have not been approved and are outside the customary University operations for the building:

1. Activity in the occupied area must not interrupt the customary University operations conducted in the building. No amplified sound may be used inside the building.
2. Offices and administrative areas may not be occupied at any time.
3. No signs, posters, boards, paper, or other forms of communication may be posted on any surface on the inside or outside of the building.
4. Public property must not be damaged or defaced.
5. Food may not be heated by any instrument at any time due to risk of fire or burns.
6. No blankets, pillows, cushions, other sleeping materials, or kitty litter may be brought into or stored in the building.
7. No firearms, weapons, or other materials posing a safety hazard as determined by UNC Public Safety are permitted in buildings.
8. Drugs and alcohol are not permitted in buildings.
9. Should the number of persons in the occupied area exceed the posted fire safety capacity, occupants will be asked to leave the premises until the number is in compliance with the fire code.
10. Emergency egress and an accessible path of travel must not be obstructed.

Failure to comply with this policy may be grounds for removal from the premises and persons in violation of this policy may be subject to arrest and/or trespass from University property.

Safety Rules for Outdoor Events

1. No alcohol or drugs.
2. No firearms, weapons, or other materials that pose a safety hazard as determined by UNC Police to include metal pipes. During an active demonstration, animals such as pet dogs (not service animals) may need to be relocated.
3. No fireworks, bonfires, or open flames.
4. No motorcycles, mopeds, or vehicles on McCorkle Place or other areas of campus not designated for traffic or parking.
5. No wearing of masks, hoods, or other devices to disguise a person so as to conceal identity on public property (N.C.G.S. § 14-12.8).
6. Do not attempt to climb over or through crowd control barriers.
7. Do not throw any objects during a demonstration, or at any person or display.
8. Do not damage or deface any public property.
9. Follow instructions provided by UNC Police and other safety personnel.

An individual’s failure to comply with these safety rules shall be grounds for removal from the premises and possible arrest.

Buildings

All individuals are required to leave the building at the building's normal closure time (other than customary building occupants working after hours). If any individuals refuse to depart at such time upon the direction of a University official, they will be warned that they are trespassing and that they are subject to arrest. They will be warned first by a University administrator and then by UNC Police. Should they choose to continue to occupy the building, they will be removed from the premises by UNC Police and arrested. For facilities open 24 hours a day, all individuals are required to leave the facility by no later than 4:00 a.m. (other than housekeepers or other employees working at such time).

Grounds/Outdoor Areas

All individuals are required to respect outdoor spaces' normal closure times as posted. If any individuals refuse to depart at such time upon the direction of a University official, they will be warned that they are trespassing and that they are subject to arrest. They will be warned first by a University administrator and then by UNC Police. Should they choose to continue to occupy the space, they will be removed from the premises by UNC Police and arrested. For spaces without posted closure times, individuals are expected to be respectful of the surrounding area, such as residences where students are sleeping, and noise ordinances, and will be subject to arrest and trespass if they are asked to leave and fail to do so.

This policy shall not be construed as a designation of any of the University's interior spaces as public forums or limited public forums.

The University prohibits activities other than customary or pre-approved activities in facilities that are not open to the public or where sensitive University operations or hazardous activities are conducted. Such facilities include, without limitation, University laboratories, health care facilities, and industrial environments.

Related Requirements

External Regulations and Consequences

• North Carolina General Statute § 14-12.8: Wearing of masks, hoods, etc., on public property

University Policies, Standards, and Procedures

• UNC-Chapel Hill Freedom of Speech and Expression University Policy
• UNC-Chapel Hill Freedom of Speech and Expression University Standard
• UNC-Chapel Hill Facilities Use Policy
• UNC-Chapel Hill Facilities Use Standard
• Environment, Health and Safety Manual - Chapter 04.17: Fire Safety - Exterior Open Flame

Contact Information

Policy Contact

Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Safety and Risk Management
Derek Kemp
Derek.kemp@unc.udu
Telephone: 919-962-3795

Other Contacts

Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police
Telephone: 919-843-9726
UNC Police website

Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor
Telephone: 919-962-1365
Office of the Chancellor website

Important Dates

• Effective Date: October 4, 2016
• Approving body: Chancellor's cabinet