Dissent (Display and Demonstration) Policy

Introduction and Principles

We commit to a belief in the free exchange and expression of ideas as flowing from our Christian identity, contributing to our educational community and our engagement in a pluralistic society. And we acknowledge that we also hold the tremendous responsibility of engaging ideas and people wisely as we hold ourselves to a high standard in how we have these conversations. We know we succeed in meeting this high standard when others experience the Biblical description of the fruit of the Spirit in their engagement with us (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”).

As we work to continue building a community of humility, caring, kindness, and mutual respect, we affirm the importance of free expression and open dialogue in a manner consistent with our understanding that we are called to vigorous debate in an evidence-based, civil, and constructive manner. We also recognize the complex intersection of conflicting rights and responsibilities, including a compelling university interest to maintain clarity in its representation of mission and identity, while continuing to honor and protect individual free expression in other venues and contexts.

We all, as Calvin University community members (faculty, staff, volunteers, students), agree to honor and align around these freedom of expression values and the set of policies and procedures that guide this approach, including the dissent guidelines outlined immediately below.

Purpose

This policy is intended to provide guidance for those wanting to post displays, distribute materials and/or lead a demonstration on university property. Calvin’s campus is private property and, as such, no external party may post displays, distribute materials, or lead a demonstration on university premises without the express written consent of university officials. Calvin may regulate displays and demonstrations to ensure the safety of its community, to prevent damage to university property, to prevent damage to university branding and mission identification efforts, and to prevent the disruption of its normal business operations, including teaching and research. Further, Calvin may restrict expression that violates the law, defames a specific individual, constitutes a true threat or harassment, unjustifiably invades privacy or confidentiality interests, or is otherwise directly incompatible with the mission and functioning of the university. As a tax-exempt entity, Calvin must abide by federal and state laws that prohibit the use of university resources, services, or personnel from promoting or supporting individuals or organizations campaigning for public office.

Calvin University reserves the right to determine if a display or demonstration is in violation of this policy.

Display Guidelines

1. Employees.
   1. May temporarily post approved displays that are created for the purpose of promoting Calvin University programs, services, and events on university bulletin boards, sandwich boards, and other designated areas as necessary to conduct university business operations, including teaching and research.  Please see https://calvin.edu/policies/publicity-policy for additional institutional policies and guidelines.
   2. May display in university provided office spaces and technology devices personal materials (e.g., photos/pictures of families, friends, pets, etc.) that are not otherwise a violation of this policy. Displays that could be seen by others as harassing, discriminatory, overtly political, socially controversial, or espousing a particular viewpoint that conflicts with university policies should be reviewed with a direct supervisor and the human resources office prior to their display.
2. Students.
   1. All postings from Calvin University organizations, departments, and offices must be approved by the Center for Student Engagement (CSE) prior to posting publicity.
   2. All posters, flyers, leaflets, chalking, and other postings must clearly state the name(s) of the sponsoring organization(s).
   3. Only members of officially recognized Calvin University student organizations, Calvin University departments, and university offices are allowed to publicize events, services, and initiatives using campus bulletin boards and other approved methods. Events must be directly related to the organization or department and have that group’s involvement and/or sponsorship.
   4. Please see https://calvin.edu/policies/publicity-policy for additional institutional policies and guidelines.
3. Outside affiliates and community members.
   1. Outside events that have no direct connection are not eligible to display at Calvin. Campus groups also cannot publicize on behalf of outside groups.
   2. Please see https://calvin.edu/policies/publicity-policy for additional institutional policies and guidelines.

Note that for all groups, the university reserves the right to remove, without prior notice, any display that violates university policy. Signs and posters that are not related to specific events or dates may be removed at the university’s discretion. Individuals and organizations are held responsible for costs incurred in removing improperly posted displays and are liable for damage caused to university property by improper or excessive posting.

Demonstration Guidelines

1. Employees.
   1. Demonstrations are acceptable so long as they are nonviolent and are not disruptive with (1) teaching, study, research, or administration of the university; (2) the authorized use of university property, including meetings of university students, faculty, staff, administrators or guests; (3) the rights and privileges of other university community members; (4) the normal operations of the university nor damage university property; or (5) substantially interfere with another university community member’s prior reservation, or substantially disrupt a scheduled university event.
   2. Demonstrations (marching, picketing, silent vigils, etc.) are to be registered for information with the university. Employees must register with their direct supervisor and the Human Resources office no later than 2 business days preceding the event/occurrence.
   3. Demonstrations are to be designed to appropriately engage with demonstrators about their issues of concern and consider the physical safety of the campus community and individuals involved.
   4. Demonstrations will not infringe upon or prevent the exercise of the First Amendment right of speech of others.
   5. Sponsoring departments, student organizations, their officers, and all individual participants will be held responsible for their conduct during a demonstration.
2. Students.
   1. Demonstrations (marching, picketing, silent vigils, etc.) are to be registered for information with the university. Students must register with the Center for Student Engagement (CSE) no later than 2 business days preceding the event/occurrence.
   2. Demonstrations are to be designed to appropriately engage with demonstrators about their issues of concern and consider the physical safety of the campus community and individuals involved.
   3. Demonstrations will not infringe upon or prevent the exercise of the First Amendment right of speech of others.
   4. Sponsoring departments, student organizations, their officers, and all individual participants will be held responsible for their conduct during a demonstration.
3. Outside affiliates and community members.
   1. While free to attend on-campus demonstrations, the privilege of hosting or registering on-campus demonstrations is not extended to organizations, students, or individuals not directly affiliated with Calvin.

Violations/Sanctions

1. Employees - The immediate supervisor of faculty or staff who violate this policy, in consultation with the Provost’s Office and Human Resources, will be responsible for addressing the matter and responding proportionately to the frequency and severity of the violation. Inquiries regarding faculty or staff policy violations should be directed to the human resources office.
2. Students – Those students found responsible for violating this policy will be referred to the Office of Student Support, Accountability, and Restoration, which will adjudicate the situation in collaboration with the Center for Student Engagement.

Definitions

Demonstration:

The public exhibition of the attitude of a group of people toward a specific topic, issue, or matter.

Display:

Displays include posters, signs, symbols, fliers, electronic signatures, signage, leaflets, chalking, graffiti, social media, electronic images, or other displayable materials.