Protest and Demonstration Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines the expectations for, and obligations of, any student planning or holding a protest or other public demonstration on property owned or controlled by Lewis & Clark College (“LC Property”).

Scope

This policy applies to any student protest or other public demonstration.

Policy

In order to maintain safety on campus and to allow for necessary planning and preparation, a student planning a protest or other public demonstration on LC Property should contact one of the following offices, depending on student status, for information and guidance:

• College of Arts & Sciences: Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Office (503-768-7110)
• Law School: Dean’s Office (503-768-6601)
• Graduate School: Dean’s Office (503-768-6004)

Lewis & Clark is committed to freedom of expression and to the exchange of views and ideas in a manner that promotes collective engagement, mutual understanding, and learning from one another. A student protest or other public demonstration is allowable so long as it is non-obstructive and respectful of Lewis & Clark’s mission and the rights of other students, faculty, employees, and guests. Lewis & Clark reserves the right to designate time, manner, and appropriate areas for protests.

During protests, participants must respect the rights of others, including those with whom they disagree. Any student engaging in disruptive or disorderly conduct, failing to comply with the directions of a Lewis & Clark official, or otherwise violating College policy is subject to disciplinary action as provided in the relevant conduct code or other rules and requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, Law School or Graduate School, as applicable.

Individuals who are not members of the Lewis & Clark community may be instructed to leave campus, and local laws related to trespassing may be enforced.

Disruptive conduct includes, but is not limited, to the following:

• INTERFERING with Lewis & Clark operations, activities, and/or events, including the rights and activities of other students, faculty, employees, and/or guests.
• IMPEDING a person’s speech or presentation by heckling or inappropriate outbursts.
• BLOCKING the ability of audience members to see or hear a speaker.
• PREVENTING or interfering with access to or egress from offices, meeting rooms, buildings or other LC property.
• FAILING to comply with the directions of Lewis & Clark officials and/or local and state officials, including directions to leave a facility or space.
• CREATING the threat of physical harm to persons or damage to LC property or invading the personal space of other students, faculty, employees, and/or guests.
• EXCEEDING building and/or reasonable outdoors site capacities as determined by Lewis & Clark.
• EXCEEDING noise levels and/or interfering with or disrupting Lewis & Clark operations and activities, including the rights and activities of other students, faculty, employees, and/or guests.

Related Resources

• Freedom of Expression & Academic Inquiry Policy: https://www.lclark.edu/live/profiles/3934-freedom-of-expression-academic-inquiry-policy
• College of Arts & Sciences, Student Code of Conduct: https://college.lclark.edu/student_life/-our-departments-/student-rights-responsibilities/student-code-of-conduct/
• Law School, Student Honor & Conduct Code: https://law.lclark.edu/academics/whats_what/honor_code_and_procedure/
• Graduate School, Academic Performance and Professional Conduct Policies: https://docs.lclark.edu/graduate/policyprocedures/academic/