Campus Demonstrations

REGULATIONS OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

2.002 Campus Demonstrations.

(1) Faculty, students, and all other personnel who intentionally act to impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the University shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the University authorities.

(2) Demonstrations may be held anywhere on the campus, so long as they do not disrupt the normal operation of the University or infringe on the rights of other members of the University community, except that no demonstrations are permitted inside University buildings. Any use of sound amplification equipment on the outdoor areas of campus must have prior clearance through the Office of Student Activities at the J. Wayne Reitz Union and will be permitted only if there is no interference or disruption of any academic or other University activities. Use of outdoor areas must also be consonant with all other University rules, including but not limited to Regulations 2.002, 2.003, 2.005, 2.008, and 4.006.

(3) In order that demonstrators not interfere with the operation of the University or the rights of others, they shall not:

(a) obstruct vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, or other traffic;

(b) obstruct entrances or exits to buildings or driveways;

(c) interfere with educational activities inside or outside any building;

(d) harass passersby or otherwise disrupt normal activities; interfere with or preclude a scheduled  speaker from being heard;

(e) interfere with scheduled University ceremonies or events; or

(f) damage property, including lawns, shrubs, or trees.

(4) In the event of disruptive action, University employees and students involved in demonstrations shall identify themselves by presenting appropriate documents such as ID cards when requested to do so by the President or his/her designated representative, and such representative will identify him/herself when making this request. Demonstrators not officially related to the University of Florida will be directed to leave the campus immediately or be subject to arrest for a violation of the law forbidding the disruption or interference with the administration or functions of an educational institution.

(5) If, in the opinion of the President or his/her designated representative, a demonstration is disrupting normal University operations or infringing on the rights of other members of the University community, the President or his/her representative may:

(a) identify him/herself to the demonstrators, giving name and official position;

(b) inform the demonstrators that they are in violation of the University policy and/or in violation of the law and specify the nature of the violation;

(c) request that the violation cease; and

(d)     in the event of non-compliance with this request, enlist the assistance of the University Police in restoring order and enforcing the law.

(6) The University Police, as the President’s designated representatives, have a responsibility to:

(a) declare a demonstration to be in violation of law and request all demonstrators to cease and desist and to disperse and clear the area or be subject to arrest and/or University disciplinary action;

(b) arrest any demonstrators observed to be in violation of the law; and

(c) enlist the assistance of outside law enforcement agencies, if necessary.

Specific Authority: 240.132(1), 240.227(l), 240.26l FS.

Law Implemented: 240.l32, 240.l33, 240.227(5), (13), 240.26l, 877.13 FS.

History: New 9-29-75, Amended 3-26-80, Formerly 6C1-2.02, Amended 7-27-98, Formerly 6C1-2.002, Amended 7-10-23 (technical changes only).