Policy on Demonstrations

Policy Number: 617

Safety and Security

The permanent link for this policy is: https://policies.northeastern.edu/policy617/

I. Purpose and Scope

Northeastern University supports students, faculty, and staff in the peaceful and orderly expression of views, whether in support or protest, related to issues, actions, events, or opinions, including those about which there may be disagreement. This longstanding university policy is to promote the safety and security of members of the university community who participate in demonstrations as well as the rights of others to study, work, and participate in the university community without unreasonable disruption. It outlines the requirements for students, faculty, and staff to organize or participate in demonstrations on property owned or controlled by the university or in connection with university events. This policy applies to all Northeastern students, faculty, and staff and consolidates previous publication sites.

II. Definitions

For purposes of this policy,

Demonstration means any in-person protest, rally, sit-in, public meeting, march, walk, or similar actions to express views on an issue.
Third-party or parties means individuals or groups with no affiliation with the university.
University property means any property or facility owned, controlled, rented, or managed by Northeastern University.
University event means any program, activity or event sponsored or hosted by Northeastern or on university property.
University operations means the intended and designated use of any space, event or function of the university.

III. Policy

Students, faculty, or staff seeking to demonstrate on university property and/or in connection with a university event must comply with all university policies, protocols, procedures, and requirements. Third parties are not permitted to engage or participate in demonstrations on university property.

A. Applying for Demonstrations

Any faculty, staff, or student who wishes to hold a demonstration on university property or in connection with university events must submit an application for the demonstration with the appropriate university office and receive written approval in advance of the demonstration, following the timeline and other application requirements set by the relevant university office. The relevant authorized offices are:

For students: Center for Student Involvement
For faculty and staff: Office of the Provost

This application requirement does not apply to conduct by employees that is protected by law, including conduct governed by Section 7 of the U.S. National Labor Relations Act or other applicable laws.

B. Requirements for all Demonstrations

Demonstrations must be conducted peacefully, orderly, and consistent with university policies, codes of conduct, and applicable laws. The following specific requirements apply to all demonstrations:

Demonstrations must not block building corridors, entrances, exits or other egresses, or otherwise disrupt university business or operations.
Demonstrations must not be conducted in faculty or administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, or study areas. Demonstrations can otherwise only take place in spaces that are available and approved through official university space registration processes.
Vandalism or projecting or affixing any images on university buildings is prohibited.
Camping and overnight demonstrations are not allowed.
Students, faculty and staff may not erect structures, barriers, or walls, temporary or otherwise, on university property related or connected in any way to a demonstration.
Third parties are not permitted to participate in demonstrations on university property, even if invited to do so by a current Northeastern student, faculty, or staff member. Such persons may be considered trespassers.

None of the requirements listed here restrict or prohibit employees from engaging in protected concerted activity, including by exercising their rights under Section 7 of the U.S. National Labor Relations Act or other applicable laws.

C. Violations

The university may take action, including requiring the immediate cessation of a demonstration if, in the university’s discretion, a demonstration at any time fails to comply with this policy or other applicable university policies, processes, procedures, or laws, and/or directions or instructions by university administration or an authorized representative of the university administration regarding safety or security. Examples may include but are not limited to directions to show university identification or to disperse. Violators of this policy may be subject to action consistent with university policy and procedures, including disciplinary action.