Policies
Campus Use of Space Policy
Brandeis is home to a community of scholars, students, teachers, thinkers, and colleagues with diverse and exciting ideas. The University community has always valued free expression and inquiry and continues to do so. The University also exists against a backdrop of uncertainty and concern about events both global and local, and such events are rapidly changing. In complex times such as these, the community benefits from additional clarity and the expansion of some existing policies, protocols, and practices pertaining to how space is used on campus as we maintain the safety and security of our community. The goal of this policy is to promote a common understanding of the rules given the many and varied events and activities that take place across campus. Most of the provisions in this policy reflect currently existing rules, policies, and practices dispersed throughout the university but not previously collected in a centralized manner.
This policy may be revised based on recommendations of the University’s Presidential Task Force on Free Expression, which is separately reviewing the University’s Principles of Free Speech and Free Expression and the processes and protocols in place to apply those principles. The Task Force is scheduled to submit their recommendations to the President by the end of 2024.
Purpose
This policy sets out the rules and requirements for use of Brandeis University campus space, including campus protests.
Applicability
This policy applies to all Brandeis faculty, staff, students, and other members of the Brandeis University community (collectively sometimes referred to herein as “Community Members”). (1)
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Reservation of indoor and outdoor space on campus for events and activities(2) must go through the office charged with oversight of the space, such as University Events, the Department of Community Living, the Department of Student Engagement, and the Department of Athletics. Prior reservation is required for use of indoor space, and recommended for use of outdoor space, for all events and activities. Failure to reserve space in advance may result in the event or activity not being permitted. Space may only be reserved for authorized university activities and must be sponsored by a recognized student organization or academic or administrative unit. Requests to use space (indoor or outdoor) for any event or activity must be submitted in advance for approval in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures. Approval of a request to use space does not constitute the University’s endorsement of the event or its content. Depending on the size, scope, and nature of an event the sponsor may be required to have permits/licenses, and food service, custodial and/or public safety staffing per University Events' policy and applicable law.
An event or activity that is neither disruptive nor obstructive is permitted in common areas of campus buildings only during those hours when the building in question is normally open. An event or activity that is neither disruptive nor obstructive is generally permitted in outdoor areas of the campus, however, Brandeis University may designate a specific area for particular types of events or activities. Events and activities (including but not limited to exhibits and displays) must not impede or block ingress or egress to or movement within and around campus buildings, classrooms, administrative offices, or other spaces. The blocking of any stairs is prohibited. Blocking or interfering with the free flow of vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, and other forms of personal transport is not permitted.
Campus space may only be used for events or activities between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., unless otherwise authorized by the University. University buildings and facilities may only be accessed during posted hours and in authorized areas.
Events and activities must not interfere with the missions, processes, procedures, or functions of the University. Event participants must allow the staff, faculty, and other members of the Brandeis University community to engage in the performance of their duties, and students to pursue their educational activities. Impeding or restricting these activities by engaging in disruptive conduct, by blocking entrances to or exits from University facilities, or by coercion, intimidation, or threats or use of violence, is not permitted.
Any conduct that threatens, harasses, or intimidates; that violates any other University policy, including but not limited to, the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Violence; that violates the law; or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of the University; is prohibited.
Demonstrations, Protests, and Rallies: Participants and Identification: Demonstrations, protests, and rallies on campus are limited to Brandeis Community Members. Demonstrations, protests, and rallies organized by recognized groups or sponsoring students must be registered with the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) and meet jointly with DOSO and Public Safety prior to the event taking place. Brandeis Community Members are not permitted to invite third parties to attend demonstrations, protests, or rallies on campus. Any attendees to any demonstration, protest, or rally on campus who are not Brandeis Community Members are not permitted on campus and will be required to leave. Those who invite or encourage the attendance of third parties, to attend demonstrations, protests, and rallies on campus may be subject to discipline. Face masks may not be worn for purposes other than religious, medical or personal safety concerns. A valid Brandeis University identification card must be presented upon request under any condition. Brandeis reserves the right to request identification from attendees to ensure that they are Community Members or because of concerns about conduct or risk to safety. In situations in which a properly identified University official requests identification, a Brandeis Community Member attending a demonstration, protest, or rally must present a valid Brandeis University identification card. Failure to do so may result in a requirement for the individual to leave the event and/or subject the individual to disciplinary action.
All Community Members must respect, maintain, and preserve University grounds, academic and administrative buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, and associated structures, as well as faculty, staff, and other students’ personal property.
Camping and overnight sleeping outdoors on campus, with or without a tent or other temporary structure, is not permitted. Temporary structures, including but not limited to tents and individual shelters, cannot be installed without prior written University approval. Students seeking approval should contact the Dean of Students Office; faculty and staff should contact the Vice President of Campus Planning and Operations. Any unauthorized structures placed on campus will be removed.
Excessive noise may not disrupt the campus residences, academic spaces, or University offices during the workday, class times, exams, or other events.
Posters, banners, lawn signs, handbills, or notices may be displayed only on spaces designated for that purpose. Placement of posters, handbills, notices, and the like on trees, lawns, sidewalks, statues, motor vehicles, permanent University signage, emergency blue light phones, stairwells, windows, fire suppression equipment, or fire exterior doors is prohibited. The placement of self-adhering stickers on any surface, except for on one’s own personal property, is prohibited. Postings that violate other policies, including but not limited to, the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence, are prohibited. All postings must have a recognized University group or sponsor identified. Failure to do so may result in removal of the posted material.
Community Members who engage in chalking must observe the distinction between advertising events and vandalism. Only sidewalks — which does not include patios and steps to a building—may be chalked. Chalking on buildings and on University or personal property (e.g., buildings, cars, bus shelters, and signs), except for on one’s own personal property, is not permitted. Chalking is also not permitted in areas where it cannot be washed away by rainfall. The University reserves the right to authorize the removal and adjudication of chalked messages if they are in violation of existing campus policy, are harassing, threatening, or contributing to a hostile environment, or use profane illustrations or language.
Projecting images on buildings or other University structures is prohibited, unless authorized by the University.
The application of paint to any surface, including natural surfaces, is prohibited, unless authorized by the University.
Community Members are expected and required to vacate an area or facility of the University when directed to do so by an authorized official of the University.
Fires, fireworks, or any other incendiary devices are not permitted on University property, without the approval of the University, and approval and presence of the Waltham Fire Department.
Failure to comply with this Campus Use of Space Policy and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, termination, or dismissal from the University, in accordance with applicable staff, faculty, and student disciplinary procedures.
- In the event that any provisions of this policy conflict with terms of any current or future employee collective bargaining agreement, the terms of that agreement shall apply.
- For purposes of this policy, events and activities include forums, lectures, athletic matches, debates, performances, conferences, rallies, protests, and demonstrations.
This policy is for general guidance only. It does not create an employment contract or any right to continued employment at Brandeis University. Brandeis University reserves the right to modify, revoke, suspend, terminate, and/or change any and all policies and procedures at any time, with or without notice.
April 2025