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Civic Engagement Activities, Protests and Demonstrations

Elon University seeks to encourage students to be civically and politically aware and involved, and supports a visible and vibrant environment where students express their views openly on any part of the campus. The university requests that activities and events be registered to ensure safety and the orderly functioning of the university, but does not censor or marginalize any group or point of view. In exercising their free speech rights, University community members assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions and do not represent the university. All forms of speech/protest must adhere to state and federal laws, as well as the university honor code, and must not interfere with the normal operations of the university. Please refer to the Civic Engagement website here to view the university’s statements and guidelines for Campus Events, Demonstrations, and Student Protests. More detailed policies are found within the Student Handbook, but a brief summary of policies approved by the Student Life Committee is presented here.

Speakers’ Corner
To provide a particularly convenient and visible location for spontaneous student activism and civic engagement activities/programs on campus, an area in front of the Moseley Campus Center (near the intersection of Koury and Moseley) is designated as a “Speakers’ Corner” for individual students or student groups. Typical activities might include, for examples, displaying a signboard on which students may write their opinions, chalking the sidewalk, student speeches or handouts on a current issue, a memorial vigil, etc. These activities do not require registration when they do not involve persons outside the university, are not amplified, or cause a safety hazard (such as stakes that might hit electrical/water lines, etc.).

Student Demonstrations and Protests
Demonstrations and protests may be registered in advance of the planned activity by completing the Event Registration form available at the Moseley front desk or online here. Note: The registration of demonstrations and protests will be expedited and approved within three days. Students may protest or hold demonstrations in any part of campus, including the Phi Beta Kappa Plaza, the West Lawn of Moseley, at the Chandler or Fonville Fountain. When protests or demonstrations occur in the context of a speaker on campus, audience members may not infringe upon others’ ability to view or to comprehend the speaker. Protests and demonstration areas, if established for a campus speaker or program, must be visible and in proximity to the event
 
Campus Events and External Groups
Political activities that have the potential to be a campus event or involve outside groups, such as a state or national political candidate, must be reviewed and approved by a committee comprised of appropriate senior staff members, Safety and Security Staff, and the chair of the Academic Council. Guidelines for these events are presented in the Memorandum of Understanding for Campus Events and External Groups and may be found at the Civic Engagement website.