Citing concerns that have been raised by students and others over some elements of the University's recently revised policy on designated speech areas at University Park, Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity, announced July 30 that modifications than been made to policy AD51 to provide for maximum free speech opportunities.
The modifications will allow for individuals or small groups to engage in free speech activities at any outdoor location on campus provided that noise levels do not conflict with programs or classes and provided that crowd size does not prevent normal movement in and out of buildings or otherwise cause a safety problem.
"There has been a great deal of attention paid to the new policy that was put forth by the Campus Environment Team last spring," said Jones, who chairs the group. "The team was rightfully responding to concerns about classroom disruptions and the safety of students exiting buildings that were blocked. But some have expressed concern that the policy might unnecessarily deter individuals from speaking out in areas that are not designated by the policy."
Groups of 10 or more people that want to demonstrate or engage in expressive activity must register to use one of the 10 designated areas on campus, such as the patio in front of Old Main, the Allen Street gates or the area near the Obelisk. Jones said that smaller groups and individuals would be asked to voluntarily use the designated areas, but may use any outdoor area open to the public that can safely be used. This modification will allow the area immediately outside of the Willard Building, for example, to be used as long as noise levels do not conflict with classes and crowds do not impede normal egress in and out of the building.
"University policy will continue to adhere to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the regulation of time, place and manner of speech, and Penn State will reserve the right to administer the policy in accordance with these guidelines," said Jones. "As an institution we have a deep and profound commitment to the principles of free speech. This policy provides groups and individuals with an increased number of places on campus to do that, which I think is a very positive step."
The policy developed by the Campus Environment Team was designed to increase the number of areas on campus where students could engage in expressive activity, while limiting access to areas immediately adjacent to classroom windows or areas that blocked building entrances. Areas officially designated for expressive activity are the Old Main Patio; the Allen Street gate at the foot of the mall on campus; Palmer Museum of Art; Willard Building in the patio area between Willard and the Obelisk; the northwest corner of Shortlidge Road and College Avenue; Fisher Plaza; the Pattee Library Mall entrance plaza; and three areas at the Hetzel Union Building when it is completed this fall.
Some aspects of the policy remain the same, including the provision that Penn State students and student organizations have first priority to use University space over groups not affiliated with Penn State. In addition, individuals or groups that reserve space in advance have priority for the use of that space over groups or individuals who show up without reserving space in advance.
Some highlights of the policy include:
A location may be reserved between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and a group may reserve only one location for each day. The same group may not reserve the same location for more than one day in each calendar week. Reservations must be requested at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed activity, or by the Friday preceding a Sunday or Monday.
With a proper reservation, a group has exclusive use of the reserved location and may not transfer the reservation to or allow use of the location by any other group. Reservations for non-University groups may be arranged through the Office of University Relations, 309 Old Main. Registered student groups can make arrangements through Student Activities, 225 HUB. Groups wishing to reserve a space other than those designated must submit a written request for an exception to this policy with the appropriate reservation office.
Areas suitable for expressive activities have been identified at other University locations. The requirements of this policy apply to all University locations.