people walking on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene on a sunny day

Know Our Policies

Policies and Regulations

At the University of Oregon, free expression and the open exchange of ideas are core to our academic mission. These policies are designed to help you exercise your rights while maintaining a respectful, inclusive environment for everyone on campus. Explore the guidelines that protect these freedoms and ensure that campus activities align with university standards.

Sample of Relevant University Policies

Guidelines

The university strives to foster an environment where individuals can exercise free speech in an inclusive, respectful community. Established guidelines protect the right to free speech, while ensuring that opposing views may also be expressed. The university applies its rules and expectations in a manner neutral to the viewpoints expressed.

Use of Space
If you’re planning a larger event or demonstration, make sure to reserve a space through the university’s process. This helps avoid conflicts with other scheduled events and ensures that the space is right for your event.
Sound
Noise disturbance defined as any sound which injures or endangers the safety or health of a human or personal/real property; or annoys/disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities is prohibited on campus. 

Be sure to check the sound rules with EMU Scheduling and Event Services for the space you are using.
Chalking
Chalking is allowed only with removable chalk on exterior horizontal surfaces that are exposed to the rain and not within 30 feet of any campus building. Chalking that does not relate to student activities sponsored by Student Organizations is subject to immediate removal.
Ensure Access
For everyone’s safety, demonstrations & large gatherings must ensure that doorways, hallways, stairways, fire exits, and public pathways like sidewalks are accessible. Allow 10 feet of clearance around campus buildings during a demonstration.
Room Occupancy
Know how many people are allowed in the space reserved.

Demonstrations or gatherings inside rooms or buildings must not exceed the safe occupancy limits set by state fire codes.
Camping
Overnight camping is prohibited on campus grounds. These activities often violate university and city codes and disrupt the university’s operations.
Structures
The construction of unauthorized structures, including tents, is prohibited on campus grounds. These activities often violate university, city, and state regulations and disrupt the university’s operations.
Disrupting Events
You cannot prevent a scheduled event, speaker, or class from proceeding. If protests disrupt these activities, the university may intervene and ask demonstrators to move or stop. This does not mean you can’t provide counter-speech, following the university’s procedures.
Defacing Property
Defacing or damaging university property, including graffiti, is strictly prohibited.
Harassment
The university endeavors to create an environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. The Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance (OICRC) responds to allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Fire/Open Flame
Find fire-free alternatives that create just as much warmth and camaraderie without risking anyone’s safety or violating state fire codes. 
Campus Visitors
Visitors to the UO are welcome, but are expected to abide by all university rules and the ordinances, laws, and regulations of the city, county, and state.

Free Speech and Demonstration Guidelines

Speaking Out at the UO

More Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the university’s rules about free speech?

Free speech is central to the academic mission and is the central tenet of a free and democratic society, upheld by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and Oregon Constitution. The university also upholds this value through our UO Policy on Freedom of Inquiry and Free Speech and our UO Policy on Academic Freedom.

What are the university’s rules about protests and demonstrations?

At the University of Oregon, established guidelines protect the right to free speech, while ensuring that opposing views may also be expressed. The university strives to balance the right to dissent with the right to be heard; the right to speak one’s mind with the right to listen. The university applies its rules and expectations in a manner neutral to the viewpoints expressed. Our guidelines on demonstrations are designed to balance these rights, keeping safety in mind for all those in our community.

The University has clear process for student conduct, trespass and other enforcement of our policies, striving at all times to protect the campus’ core educational mandate and prioritizing the physical safety of the campus community.

Can the UO prohibit community members from participating in demonstrations?

Some parts of the university campus are open to the public, meaning members of the community and visitors are free to visit. Visitors to the University of Oregon do however have the responsibility to obey federal and state laws, the municipal code, and University of Oregon rules and policies, and may be cited for trespass or subject to prosecution for any illegal behavior committed on campus.

Are students permitted to camp overnight on UO property?

The university’s Proscribed Conduct policy regarding property and activities says that university buildings and grounds may not be used for purposes such as cooking and camping.

Does camping violate the student conduct code?

Camping violates the university’s Proscribed Conduct policy regarding property and activities.

Is wearing a costume that depicts a culture a violation of policy?

No. While individuals have the freedom to choose their preferred costumes, appropriating cultural attire can be disrespectful or harmful to members of those communities. Therefore, UO strongly discourages the use of cultural elements as costumes.

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