Purpose of this policy

The purpose of this policy is to support and encourage the thoughtful and meaningful expression and exchange of ideas at Quinnipiac University (“Quinnipiac” or “university”). As a private institution, Quinnipiac University is not bound by the First Amendment. However, the university supports students and others who seek to organize and participate in expressive activities, such as peaceful assembly, vigils, protests and other speech on campus, as long as such speech is consistent with the Student Code of Conduct and other university policies, including the Discrimination, Harassment, and Bias-Related Acts and Behaviors policy.

This policy also exists to support the Quinnipiac University Speaker Policy, which is intended to protect opportunities for the expression and exchange of ideas while ensuring the safety of the campus community.

Expressive Activities and Speech Policy

Quinnipiac University students are generally free to express their views, and such expression may take many forms, including the right to peaceful assembly, vigils, protests, demonstrations and the use of signs, banners and posters. However, such expressive activities and speech will not be tolerated if it violates the Student Code of Conduct or any other university policy, interferes with the rights of others or disrupts the operations of the university. Additionally, Quinnipiac University reserves the right to restrict access to and/or remove any person from its campus at any time.

Any student or student organization seeking to organize, schedule or plan an event involving expressive activities and speech on campus is highly encouraged to consult with the dean of students, or designee, to ensure the safety and success of the event.

Students engaging in expressive activities and speech on campus may not:

  • Obstruct the free movement of persons and vehicles in any way.
  • Disrupt or prevent the peaceful and orderly conduct of classes, lectures, events and/or meetings, or interfere with any other person’s ability to express their views, including invited speakers.
  • Enter and/or remain in any building or facility for any purpose other than its authorized uses, remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed, or refuse to leave any building or facility after being asked to do so by a Quinnipiac official or other authorized official.
  • Display items on residence halls or other campus buildings, windows and balconies such that they are visible to passers-by.
  • Violate any other policies established in the Student Code of Conduct, any other Quinnipiac University policy, or federal, state or local law.
  • Engage in any behavior that may pose a risk to the mental or physical health and safety of any individual or group.
  • Use amplified sound devices such as bullhorns, PA systems or air horns without prior approval.
  • Engage in such activities between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
  • Engage in such activities within 100 feet of any residence hall.

Scope of this policy

This policy applies to all members of the Quinnipiac University community.