GUIDELINES FOR ON-CAMPUS PROTESTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

OVERVIEW

Peaceable assembly and freedom of expression is a highly valued and indispensable quality of university life. The University of Washington Bothell is committed to the free exchange of ideas and the principles of academic freedom, in accordance with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Use of the UW Bothell facilities is governed by Chapter 478-136 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). These rules are designed to ensure that University of Washington facilities, including the UW Bothell campus, are reserved primarily for educational use including, but not limited to, instruction, research, public assembly, student activities, and recreational activities related to educational use.

The following guidelines outline expectations for, and obligations of, individuals or groups planning or holding a protest or demonstration on the UW Bothell campus. These guidelines are intended to support the right to engage in activities of free expression on campus while also ensuring the functioning of the campus.

GUIDELINES

1. On Campus Protests and Demonstrations

UW Bothell upholds the values of freedom of expression for all community members. The individual or group planning a protest or demonstration on the UW Bothell campus is responsible for ensuring compliance with established University policies as well as federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

Use of UW Bothell facilities may be subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. While the campus may be used for a variety of activities, the primary function it was intended to serve must be protected and university facilities may not be used in ways that obstruct or disrupt university operations, the freedom of movement, or any other lawful activities. No activity may obstruct entrances, exits, staircases, doorways, hallways, or the safe and efficient flow of people and vehicles. Peaceful and lawful presence in public areas is allowed during business hours, but unauthorized persons will have no access to classrooms, laboratories, or private offices. See building hours. No person may use university facilities to camp. See WAC 478-136-030(9).

UW Bothell will not tolerate illegal: threats to or assaults (verbal, written, or physical) upon any persons; property destruction or damage; disruption of classes, laboratories, or work processes; or dangerous weapons of any kind on the premises.

Organizers are encouraged to consult in advance with Student Engagement & Activities and/or Events and Conference Services to proactively ensure a productive demonstration or event and compliance with University policies.

2. Signs, Placards, and Banners

Signs, placards, and banners are generally allowed during protests and demonstrations so long as they are not dangerous to others. Signs, placards, and banners with poles, dowels, or sticks must be left outside of any buildings as they present a safety hazard in confined spaces.

3. Distribution of Materials

Handing out flyers and other written materials is generally permitted in public areas of campus such as the campus promenade, between the South Garage and the UW1 building, in the Plaza, or the Codex. The posting, distributing, or disseminating of materials (e.g., flyers, posters, table tents, banners, and pamphlets) must follow the guidelines outlined in the Use of Facilities for Publicity policy. Materials that include threats or incite violence will not be tolerated.

Solicitation, or distribution of pamphlets and similar materials, is not permitted in those areas of campus to which access by the public is restricted or where such solicitation or distribution would significantly impinge upon primary University activities and operations. See WAC 478-136-030(7).

University facilities may not be used for private or commercial purposes such as sales, advertising, or promotional activities unless such activities serve an educational purpose. See WAC 478-136-030(4).

4. Tabling

Tabling must adhere to the provisions of WAC 478-136 and be done in public areas of campus such as the campus promenade, between the South Garage and the UW1 building, in the Plaza, or the Codex. Tables may not obstruct entrances, exits, staircases, doorways, hallways, or the safe and efficient flow of people and vehicles. Tables and materials may not be left unattended. The UW Bothell campus has three permanent tables that can be scheduled for tabling. Contact Events & Conference Services if you have questions.

5. Sound Levels

The use of amplified sound-making devices (e.g.,microphones, megaphones, or speakers) in a way that disrupts university operations is prohibited. See WAC 478-136-030(8). Planned outdoor events on the UW Bothell campus that involve sound amplification require Use of University Facilities (UUF) approval in advance to ensure instruction and other university activities are not affected. Requests for UUF approval must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the event date.

ENFORCEMENT

UW Bothell expects that all persons engaging in activities on campus will act with respect for the safety of persons and property, and will comply with federal, state, and local laws as well as University and venue-specific policies. Violations may result in removal from the venue and could additionally be subject to University disciplinary or judicial proceedings.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS

Planning and Administration, uwbpa@uw.edu or 425.352.3642
Events and Conference Services, uwbecs@uw.edu or 425.352.3556
Student Engagement & Activities, uwbsea@uw.edu

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