I. Preamble
These procedures and operating rules (version 1.0) are adopted effective August 5, 2024. The Vice President for Student Affairs has reviewed this version with leaders of the Undergraduate Student Government and the Graduate Student Council. The Vice President for Human Resources has reviewed this version with the chair and individual members of the Steering Committee of the Staff Advisory Council.
The Faculty Senate shall be asked to review and provide input on these procedures and rules. CWRU expects that based upon this input and the lessons from the 2024-25 academic year, additional adjustments may be made to these procedures and rules.
II. Scope of procedures and rules
Freedom of expression activities include protests, pickets, vigils, demonstrations, and other similar events consistent with the CWRU Freedom of Expression Policy. We refer to them all as “demonstrations.”
These procedures and rules cover any demonstration occurring on campus or at a university-sponsored event.
III. Objectives of procedures and rules
The procedures and rules implement the Freedom of Expression Policy’s reasonable time, place, and manner framework that:
- supports freedom of expression activities on campus; and
- protects campus safety and operations and provides for equal access to educational opportunities and benefits.
IV. Oversight authority
The procedures and rules are implemented under the authority and discretion of the Freedom of Expression Policy Committee (“Committee”), which by designation of the Provost is chaired by the Chief of Staff for the President. The Committee shall include a member of the Faculty Senate Leadership and representative(s) from the Provost’s Office, the Division of Public Safety, and other appropriate departments consistent with the objectives of these procedures and rules.
V. Approval requirements
Any proposed demonstration requires the written approval of the Committee before it may occur.
Only university faculty, staff, students, post-docs, and recognized university groups, if in good standing, may make a request.
VI. Reasonable time
- Demonstrations are permitted only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Demonstrations are limited to two hours per activity.
- Other date or time restrictions are determined by the Committee.
VII. Reasonable place
- Demonstrations are permitted only at the Kelvin Smith Library Oval.
- Physically blocking a campus building or walkway is not permitted.
- Demonstrations inside any building or facility are not permitted.
- Other place restrictions may apply as determined by the Committee.
VIII. Reasonable manner
Only university members (faculty, staff, students, post-docs, and recognized university groups), if in good standing, may participate in demonstrations.
At least one of the requesters of the demonstration must always be present at the demonstration.
Tents or other structures, bonfires or other open flames, use of fireworks or other explosives, display or use of weapons, the projection of lights, images or videos onto any building or structure, and microphone systems or bullhorns are not permitted.
Masking to avoid identification is not permitted.
Although visual exhibits are permitted, no exhibit may damage university property such as by driving stakes into the ground, or by gluing signs, flags, or other items to a building or other structure, and must adhere to the university’s Posting Policy. The Posting Policy includes requirements for the Spirit Wall, and these same requirements should be used for the Advocacy Wall at Eldred Hall. Exhibits may not violate university policies including the Non-Discrimination Statement, the Student Code of Conduct, etc., such as by including intimidating or threatening signs. Groups requesting a demonstration may clarify with the Committee what slogans or sayings are compliant, as needed.
Other restrictions regarding the manner of demonstrations are determined by the Committee.
IX. Approval process
Students, staff, faculty, postdocs, and recognized university groups must submit a written request to the Committee for a proposed demonstration generally at least 7 days prior to the date of the event by using the following link: case.edu/provost/demonstration-request.
Requests must include the following information: brief description of the activity; name, email and phone number of the event leader(s) responsible for the event; number of expected participants; proposed location, time, duration; a description of any safety concerns; and any requested exceptions to the above rules or extenuating circumstances. The Committee will strive to provide the requester with a timely response.
Exceptions to these implementing procedure and operating rules must be made in the written request and will be reviewed and considered by the Committee.
The request remains unapproved until receipt of formal written approval from the Committee.
The Committee retains the authority and discretion to withdraw approval at any time and for any reason. If approval is withdrawn during an active demonstration, the participants must disperse.
Staff generally will not be permitted to participate in a demonstration during their regularly scheduled work hours and may not be permitted to organize or participate in such an activity based upon any conflict of interest or conflict of commitment that arises due to their staff role. Such conflicts of interest may be determined by the Committee and/or supervisor of the staff member.
X. Compliance & Enforcement
Demonstrations must be performed in accordance with the approved written plan.