Free speech, expression, demonstrations, protests, rallies and other public assemblies on university property. 

Humboldt supports and is committed to open, free and robust discussion, debate and exchange of ideas as an indispensable part of its educational mission, especially when the ideas expressed are controversial and unpopular. However, Humboldt also has the obligation to ensure the safety and security of persons and property, and that University operations, functions and events are not disrupted. The time, place, and manner of persons exercising their rights of free expression, speech, assembly, and religious worship is subject to this regulation, and applies to all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, volunteers, and non-affiliated members of the public, while on University property:

1. Individuals and groups may assemble on University Grounds open to the public (as specified in this regulation) to engage in non-amplified speech and expression, including the solicitation of signatures on non- commercial petitions, provided such activity does not disrupt the functions, operations and events of the University or interfere with the free speech rights of others, as previously addressed in this regulation, including, but not limited to, or jeopardize the safety of persons and property. The exercise of free speech and assembly rights shall not:

1. Interfere with class instruction or other scheduled academic, educational, or cultural/arts program or with the use of the University Library;

2. Obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or otherwise endanger persons or property;

3. Be conducted in or on campus parking lots, parking structures, driveways, crosswalks, streets, roadways, and paths of pedestrian travel, inside university buildings and within 20 feet of any location in which instruction, education and/or official business activities are being conducted, unless allowable by B.3. regarding recognized by the university;

4. Employ sound amplification or create noise that disrupts University activities or interferes with the exercise of free speech by others (please refer to amplification regulation);

5. Harass, intimidate, or impede the movement of persons;

6. Create or cause unsafe congestion around stairs and elevators;

In order to minimize interference with academic programs, activities that involve amplified sound. (e.g. music, speech, drumming) may only occur between 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Monday – Friday, on the University Center Quad, unless prior University approval is obtained from the Dean of Students Office. The reservation protocol above must be followed in order to use amplified sound. The Dean of Students or designee is charged with making a final determination about whether amplified sound is considered disruptive.

Sound amplification

• Amplification for any other location or time requires prior approval through the Dean of Students or their designee. Requests to use amplification should be submitted in writing at least five (5) working days prior to the event. Exceptions may be made for spontaneous events and in other extraordinary circumstances. The sound level for any event may not exceed that which is disruptive to instructional programs, scheduled events, University business operations, and/or Library or classroom study and research. Amplified sound is intended to be heard in the immediate area only. Amplified sound base decibel rates of 75dbA and spikes of 90dbA are permitted, as measured by a sound meter using the “A” weighted network (scale) at slow meter response, ten (10) feet from the amplified sound source. Outdoor amplified sound events are subject to monitoring and regulation. Amplified sound shall not exceed 90 decibels and shall not disrupt University business. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring individual or organization, in collaboration with University personnel, not to exceed the 90-decibel level. 
• Hand-held amplification (e.g. “bullhorns”) is considered a sound amplification device under this policy, and all amplified sound must conform to the general limitations outlined in this policy. The Dean of Students or their designee has the authority to make the final determination, using reasonable judgment, whether or not an item is considered a sound amplification device for purposes of enforcing this policy.
• Recognizing the importance of instructional activities, sound complaints concerning outdoor events should be directed to the University Police business number (707.826-5555). Decibel level is subject to administrative review.

Reserving Space

1. Recognized student organizations, student body organizations, individual students, faculty and staff, and other entities of the University may reserve specified areas of University property and facilities for meetings, programs, and events consistent with this regulation. 

• Recognized student organizations should refer to the Club and Activities Handbook (https://clubs.humboldt.edu/handbook/organizing_events) for reservation information.

Policies around demonstrations

1. Meetings, rallies, etc. can normally occur from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m, unless given specific permission through the event approval process.

2. No person, while in or on any University property or facility may wear a mask (unless the wearing of a mask is consistent with local, state, or federal public health orders or guidance), personal disguise or otherwise conceal one’s identity to evade or escape discovery, recognition, or identification associated with committing violations of University policy, University regulations, or state, municipal or federal laws.

3. Any non-affiliate of the University holding or conducting any demonstration, gathering or rally in or upon University property or facility is subject to time, place, and manner restrictions as the University Center, the Office of Student Life, and the Dean of Students Office or their designee may impose to ensure University functions, operations and events are not interrupted or prevented by the demonstration, gathering or rally due to, among other things, scheduling conflicts. Criteria for approval of demonstrations, gatherings and rallies shall be neutral of the content of speech or purpose of the demonstration, gathering or rally.

4. Signs, posters, placards and banners on University property may not be of a size, shape, or type that will interfere with University functions, operations or events, cause damage to university property, or pose a danger to the safety of persons or property. Signs exceeding 24” by 36” dimensions may be made only of vinyl, foam core, cardboard or paper. No sign of any size or shape shall be made of metal. No person, while participating in any demonstration, rally, picket line, public assembly, or protest, shall carry or possess a signpost, pole, pipe or stake fabricated of metal or composite material, regardless of width or diameter.

5. Additional prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

1. Any bag exceeding the size of 18” by 14” by 7”

2. Any Weapons

3. Mace, pepper spray, or similar chemical spray

4. Helmets and face shields 

5. Gas masks

6. Shields and body armor

7. Glass, thermal and metal containers

8. Flammable liquids and gas

9. Torches and other open flames

10. Aerosol and other pressurized canisters and sprays

11. Balloons filled with any substance other than air and any non-flammable and non-hazardous gas

12. Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems, without authorized approval

13. Laser pointers

14. Selfie sticks

15. Toy and replica guns or blades unless the possession of these items is expressly pursuant to the Theater, Film and Dance Department Prop Weapon Use Policy and prior written authorization of the Chief of Police or their designee is obtained. 

16. Bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and scooters where prohibited (University Regulations Codes - 3405 & 3407)

Misc Notes about campus activities & Campus Tabling

1. No person or persons shall engage in any assassination or war type game, or any other type of event which involves stalking others, ambushing, lying-in-wait for, or following another person by means of stealth (i.e., laser tag) (UCR 5006)

2. One table and two chairs are permitted, provided their use complies with the time, place, and manner limitations. However, the erection of temporary or permanent structures, including, but not limited to, booths and canopies, is not permitted, unless with prior approval from the Office of Student Life. If a recognized student organization requires more tables and chairs they should seek guidance from the Office of Student Life. Any employee or non-affiliate activity should contact the University Center.

Distribution of Printed Non-Commercial Material

Non-commercial printed material may be distributed on University property or at official University functions subject to the following provisions:

1. On University grounds that are generally open to the public (as specified in this regulation), literature may be distributed as follows:

1. The free flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic is not obstructed or impeded;

2. Printed material is not forced upon others

3. Printed material shall not be placed on or in vehicles parked on University property;

4. Persons distributing printed material shall be responsible to ensure the printed material does not litter the area of distribution.

2. Tables and portable (i.e., hand carried) displays used to facilitate distribution may be placed on only paved pedestrian walkways, and may not block walkways or entrances to buildings or otherwise impede the free flow of traffic. Tables or portable displays must be attended at all times by the individuals or groups sponsoring the distribution, and such individuals or groups must ensure the printed material they are distributing does not litter the area.

3. Printed material may not be distributed in University buildings or parking lots.

4. Distribution must not interfere with classes and other University functions, operations and events or obstruct the free flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and may not be conducted at the top or bottom of elevators and stairs.