Kean University recognizes its commitment to the exercise of free speech and dissent by its faculty, staff and students. Demonstration and dissent is subject to the need that the University operate in an orderly fashion. Normal delivery of the academic and educational program is the University’s priority concern. All use is subject to review in accord with the Standards for Evaluating Requests for Use of University Facilities and Grounds and to the General Procedures Governing Use of University Facilities and Grounds.
- Priority in scheduling and use of University facilities or grounds for purposes of dissent or demonstration is given to recognized University organizations and groups.
- Kean University sponsored organizations, groups or members of the University community are encouraged to complete the request for demonstration and distribution of literature form and return it to the Miron Student Center Operations & Event Management Office; prior to the requested use, so as to permit the University to designate appropriate time, place, and manner restrictions. If in connection with a scheduled University event, requests to schedule must be made 72 hours prior to the requested use. If not in connection with a University event, requests to schedule must be made in accord with normal University scheduling procedures.
- In order to allow the University sufficient time to evaluate space, security, parking, staff and other needs, and to plan and organize its allocation of resources, requests for use of University facilities or grounds by organizations, groups or Individuals not affiliated with the University for dissent or demonstration must be made to the Office of University Relations in accordance with regular scheduling procedures for external groups. If the use requested is in connection with a regularly scheduled University event, requests must be made at least ten (10) working days prior to the event.
- Kean University reserves the right to designate time, place and manner restrictions on individuals, groups or organizations registering dissent or to disperse any such group where there is significant, imminent danger to public safety. The University reserves the right to change the date, time or location of a dissent or demonstration, in the event of a scheduling conflict, or if the requested use would disrupt the orderly operation of the University, consistent with the Procedures Governing the Use of University Facilities and Grounds.
- If special circumstances are presented, upon request, shorter timelines and different locations will be considered at the discretion of the University.
- The name of the individual authorized by the organization to act on its behalf should be provided to the University along with the number of individuals wishing to attend the event. Space will be allotted within physical limitations and subject to the public safety and operational needs of the University.
- Due to limited space, public safety concerns and/or the operational needs of the University, the University reserves the right to limit the number of protesters on campus as well as the number of protesters, demonstrators or counter-demonstrators from any one group or at any one location. The University also reserves the right to limit the number of protesters so as to afford other groups the opportunity to express their views. In accordance with general University policy, priority will be given to recognized University organizations and groups.
- Violations of these procedures and/or interference with a speaker’s ability to communicate, or the audience’s ability to hear or see the speaker will be addressed through the Student Code of Conduct procedures or legal process. Failure to comply with the request to cease the disruption will result in removal, a notice of suspension during which time a hearing will take place in accordance with the Universities Student Code of Conduct procedures, and/or civil or criminal process.
- Requestors are strictly responsible for any damage done to property attributable to the individual applicant, group or organization.
- Tents, tarps, and all other forms of camping equipment are prohibited.
- Appeals of the University’s decision regarding use of facilities and/or grounds, including denials or limitations on use, may be made in accord with the appeal procedures detailed in the General Procedures Governing the Use of University Facilities and Grounds.
Documents and Forms
Request for Demonstration and Distribution of Literature Form
