Whether using amplified sound or inviting a speaker to campus, there are many things to consider. Campus units, groups and individuals planning an event or demonstration are required to make space reservations through the university's Conference and Event Services (CES).
Registered Student Organizations (RSO) can work with the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) for logistical support and guidance, including help with time, place and manner regulations, to set the stage for a successful event. Learn more by visiting CSI's website.
Time, Place and Manner Restrictions
Consistent with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, time, place and manner regulations are reasonable limitations on when, where and how public speech or assembly may occur. In public forums such as the Quad, the university may not regulate the content of speech but has established time, place and manner regulations in the Freedom of Expression Policy (PPM 400-01). Examples of university time, place and manner restrictions include:
- Restricting Free Movement: All public spaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, lobbies, courtyards, hallways, and other paths, thoroughfares and open areas must be maintained to permit safe access and travel for pedestrians, and, where appropriate, bicycles and other vehicles. No person may restrict the movement of another person or persons by, among other means, blocking or obstructing their access to roadways, walkways, buildings, parking structures, fire lanes, windows, doors or other passageways to university property, or otherwise denying a person access to a university facility or space, or imposing checkpoints or other mechanisms to exclude persons on the basis of protected characteristics or viewpoint.
- Masking to Conceal Identity: Wearing masks or face coverings is permissible for all persons who are complying with University policies and applicable laws. Individuals may not wear a mask, personal disguise or otherwise conceal their identity with the intent to intimidate any person or group, or to evade or escape discovery, recognition or identification while violating law or policy. For more info, see FAQ below.
- Failure to Reveal Identity: No person on university property may refuse to identify themselves when requested by a university official who is performing their duties in situations that require assistance or intervention (see UC PACAOS 102.16).
- Unauthorized Structures:
- No individual or group may set up or maintain unauthorized structures on university property.
- The university has designated a site on the Quad for “symbolic speech,” where symbolic structures may be placed by students, staff, faculty, and campus organizations with prior authorization from Conference and Event Services (see PPM 270-20).
- Amplified Sound: An amplified sound is limited to certain hours. A permit must be obtained from Conference and Event Services before amplified sound may be used at outdoor events, or at indoor events when the space does not have sound equipment (i.e., lobbies, entrances, stairways). (see PPM 270-20; CES Amplified Sound website)
- Camping or Erecting a Campsite: No individual or group may camp, set up, or erect a campsite, or occupy a tent or other temporary housing structure on university property.
- Distribution of Literature: Literature to be distributed must be of a non-commercial nature and must indicate the name of the sponsoring person or organization. Outdoor table distribution of literature is restricted to designated areas near the Memorial and Silo Unions, and reservations must be made for outdoor tables. Distribution shall not obstruct the free flow of traffic or obstruct the ingress and egress from university buildings. See the Student Affairs distribution of literature policy.
- Posting Policy: Temporary posting of information on campus property and/or university buildings is limited to designated locations. They must not disrupt university activities, impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow, create hazards, contribute to clutter or litter, cause damage or visual blight, or impact safety or security. See the Facilities Management temporary posting policy.
A complete list of university time, place and manner restrictions can be found in section IV of the University's Freedom of Expression policy (PPM 400-01).
Time, Place and Manner FAQs
- Am I permitted to wear a mask or face covering on campus during a policy-compliant protest?
- Yes. Wearing masks or face coverings is permissible for all persons who are complying with university policies and applicable laws. The masking directive in the Time, Place and Manner section of the Freedom of Expression Policy (PPM 400-01) refers specifically and only to masking to conceal one’s identity with the intent to intimidate any person or group or to otherwise evade or escape discovery, recognition, or identification while violating law or policy. Students, faculty and staff can continue to mask on campus for any reason, such as public health, cultural or religion, and as long as they are compliant with university policy and applicable laws, they will not face disciplinary action.
- Who is permitted to ask me to provide identification and/or remove my mask or face covering on campus?
- Only staff members specifically designated by university administration, including campus safety personnel, are permitted to ask for identification or removal of masks or face coverings during the performance of their duties in situations where assistance or intervention is needed. This includes asking for the identity of individuals (students, staff, faculty or non-affiliates) who are in violation of laws or campus policy. Non-affiliates, students, faculty, instructors and university staff who are not specifically designated by the university may not seek to carry out these directives.
No person on university property may refuse to identify themselves when requested by a designated university official performing their duties in situations that require assistance or intervention. The individual has the reciprocal right to ask the university authority for identification that confirms their designation to serve in this compliance role.