Policies + Procedures — Governance + Compliance — Outdoor Public Gatherings

1.31 Outdoor Public Gatherings

I. Purpose

To preserve the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of speech on campus.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals or groups seeking to organize an outdoor public gathering on campus.

III. General

The college will respect and defend the right of individuals/groups in the lawful exercise of free speech and peaceful assembly as set forth in the United States Constitution. It should not be construed from the conduct of an activity on campus that the college supports the message conveyed in the activity.

Public gatherings held in the pursuit of peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are possible only in an orderly environment in which individuals are not endangered by force, violence, coercion or interference. The college has the right and obligation to assure the safety of individuals, the protection of health and property and the continuity of the educational process.

The college establishes the following procedures and restrictions considered necessary to preserve both the orderly functioning of the campus and the right of freedom of speech. Enforcement will not depend, in any way, on the subject matter involved in the activity.

IV. Procedures

The college outdoor public areas are available for public gatherings providing there is no interference with building ingress or egress, impedance of traffic flow or interference with normal campus operations. These areas may be used by any person, including non-students and other campus visitors. This use may be without permission from the college so long as:
- The area has not been previously reserved or scheduled for another function.
- No sound amplification is used.
- Participants do not violate other college policies.
Although it is not necessary for a person using one of the available spaces to obtain prior permission, persons or groups organizing a public gathering are encouraged to contact the Office of Security & Safety to avoid conflicts and insure space availability.
The following areas are adjacent to classroom buildings and are available for use on the condition that there is no disruption to classes when they are in session.
- Newtown – Quad grassy areas, area outside the Linksz Pavilion, area surrounding the Creation Pole.
- Lower Bucks Campus – patio outside Café.
- Upper Bucks Campus – plaza, amphitheater.
A public gathering will be considered disruptive if any of the following conditions exist:
- INTERFERENCE with the normal operation of the college, including but not limited to, the conduct of classes.
- DISRUPTION of free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- PREVENTION of access to offices buildings or college facilities or blocking campus walkways.
- THREAT of physical harm to persons or of damage to college facilities.
If a gathering becomes disruptive, the Executive Director of Security will request that participants terminate the disruptive activity.
If the demonstrators and/or others in attendance persist in disruptive activity as described above, they will be informed by the Executive Director of Security that failure to discontinue the specified action may result in disciplinary action for students and staff and/or possible intervention by law enforcement personnel.
If the disruptive activity does not end after the above warning, the Executive Director of Security will consult with the President or designee regarding the need to contact the local police for assistance.
If an individual and/or group violates college policy and the conduct continues after notice of violation by college representatives, the individual or group may lose privileges to appear on campus.