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Texas A&M University Guidelines on
Freedom of Expression
Texas A&M University is committed to providing an educational and work
climate that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each
individual. In fulfilling its multiple missions as an institution of higher
learning, it encourages the free exchange of ideas. The University will
protect the rights of freedom of speech, expression, petition, and peaceful
assembly as set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Texas A&M University
maintains its right to regulate reasonable time, place, and manner
restrictions concerning acts of expression and dissent. Any acts that are
disruptive to the normal operations of the University including classes and
University business or invades the rights of others will not be tolerated.
Faculty, staff, and students engaging in a disruptive activity may be subject
to disciplinary action. Any participant in a disruptive activity may face
criminal charges.
Free Speech Areas
Rudder Fountain Area - space between Memorial Student Center and Rudder Tower. Sound equipment is available for use in this area at a small fee. The volume of any sound equipment must be kept at a level that would not interfere with any academic or other program taking place in nearby buildings.Lawrence Sullivan Ross Statue Area - space west of the Academic Building and near the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross. No sound equipment is permitted in this area.
West Campus Mall Area - space east of the Heep Center and marked by flagpoles and plantings. No sound equipment is permitted in this area.
Other campus facilities may be available for use after receiving approval from appropriate officials.
Registration and Use of Free Speech Areas and Other Campus Facilities
Individuals or groups wishing to use Free Speech Areas or other campus facilities must request use of the space through the University Center Scheduling Office on the second floor of Rudder Tower. Reservations should be made at least 48 hours (two working days) in advance of the event for Free Speech Areas and at least 7 days in advance of the event for other University facilities. Additional permission may be required from a building proctor/space proctor and the Dean of Student Life. Usually use of the space will be assigned to the person or organization that requests the area first. University sponsored events have first priority on the use of campus facilities. The University reserves the right to locate any assembly so as to ensure that the activity does not interfere with the normal operation of the University or interfere with the rights of others.At the time of the request the following information will be required:
- Name of the person or organization sponsoring the event.
- Location, date, and time requested.
- General purpose of the event.
- List of planned activities (i.e. speech or rally, march with signs, distribution of literature, sit-in).
- Special equipment requested.
- Anticipated attendance.
An officer of the sponsoring organization must be present at the event.
Guidelines for Expression
- Disruptive Activity - Obstruction, disruption, or
interference with classes, research, administrative functions, or
other university activities is not permitted. Likewise, infringement
on the rights of others is prohibited.
- Reasonable Access - It is important to provide reasonable
access to and exit from any office, classroom, laboratory, or building.
Likewise, vehicular and pedestrian traffic should not be obstructed.
- Picketing and Distribution of Literature - Picketing
in an orderly manner or distributing literature outside University
buildings is acceptable with the appropriate permit. Picketing is
not permitted inside campus buildings. Literature may be distributed
in public areas of the campus and in public areas in certain campus
buildings after receiving the appropriate permit. Distribution of
commercial literature requires a separate concessions permit.
Such activities should not be a disruptive activity or impede access.
- Symbolic Protest - Displaying a sign, gesturing, wearing
symbolic clothing, or otherwise protesting silently is permissible
unless it is a disruptive activity or impedes access. In addition,
such acts should not block the audience's view or prevent the audience
from being able to pay attention.
- Noise - Making sustained or repeated noise in a manner
which substantially interferes with a speaker's ability to communicate
his/her message is not permitted. Noise levels should not interfere
with classes, meetings, or activities in progress or the privacy of
residence hall students.
- Force or Violence - Any attempt to prevent a University
activity or other lawful assembly by the threat or use of force or
violence is not permissible.
- Presenting Identification - In accordance with the Texas
Education Code it is unlawful for any person on any property either
owned or controlled by the university to refuse to identify him/herself
to a university official in response to a request. For the purpose
of this policy a person identifies him/herself by presenting a
student or faculty/staff ID card or driver's license.
- Damage to Property - Care should be taken to ensure that
University and personal property is not damaged or destroyed. This
includes the campus lawns, shrubs, and trees.
- Other University Regulations - All applicable University Regulations should be followed whenever engaging in activities on campus. Consult the TAMU University Regulations Handbook for further information.
All individuals participating in scheduled events are expected to comply with state and federal law, municipal ordinances, Texas A&M University Regulations, and the above guidelines. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal from the campus and any other appropriate action by University officials and/or University Police.
