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Kennesaw State University
Freedom of Assembly and Expression Policy

Kennesaw State University recognizes and upholds First Amendment rights of Freedom of Speech and Assembly. Demonstrations and assemblies can be valid expression for dissenting opinions provided they do not disrupt academic and administrative functions of the institution. The opinions expressed by organizations, groups or individuals using Kennesaw State University’s facilities do not necessarily reflect the position of Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw State University affirms its commitment to the freedom of speech, assembly and expression even though the language or ideas of those seeking a venue for free expression may contradict university ideals or the personal views of university employees and students. The institution expects members of the faculty, staff, student body and community to refrain from and discourage behaviors that threaten the rights, freedoms and respect every individual deserves.

The following administrative procedures and guidelines are intended to support the rights and freedoms of individuals and to clarify the duties and responsibilities expected of faculty, staff, students, student organizations and visitors.

Scope – This policy shall apply to all non-commercial speech on the Kennesaw State University campus and other KSU facilities. (Commercial speech is regulated by the campus solicitation policies.) Any visiting person or group who desires to use the designated campus area for an assembly or expression event must submit this completed request form at least five business days in advance of the event. Request forms are only available online. This form must be authorized by the Director of the Department of Student Life or his/her designee and approved by the Vice President for Student Success.

Upon approval of a request, applicants must agree to the following guidelines and provisions:

• The triangle near the northwest corner of the Campus Green, between the Burruss Building and the Carmichael Student Center (Zone 3/4; see map) is the designated location for assemblies, demonstrations and protest activities by campus visitors. The space will be further defined by pedestrian fencing. Applicants must use the marked area for the purpose of the activity. KSU neither encourages or discourages, or otherwise endorses, these activities and protected forms of expression.

• These activities may be conducted on Mondays, Thursdays and/or Fridays from 10am to 11:30am. Consecutive day reservations are not permitted. The first full week of classes and Final Exam Week of each semester are closed to public performances, dances, concerts and similar extracurricular activities such as these assemblies. For a current academic calendar, click here.

• Individuals, participants, or groups are limited to three (3) scheduled activities per month so that opportunities are available for other applicants to use the area and to minimize any potential disruptions to academic or educational activities. Requests are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once scheduled, if you cannot use the space, please cancel at least by the day before the scheduled date. Missed scheduled dates still count towards the total.

• All participants must stay within the marked area and there must be no obstruction, disruption or interference with authorized and scheduled university activities.

• Kennesaw State University cannot be held responsible for the safety of children participating in an event. Persons under the age of twelve (12) may not participate in the event or be within the marked area. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Sound amplification (including microphones or bullhorns) is not permitted due to the disruption of classes and other academic and administrative functions of the institution. There will be no use of motorized vehicles. Kennesaw State University equipment will not be available for assemblies, demonstrations and protest activities.

• The individuals or groups are required to remove signs, placards, litter and other materials when the approved activity period ends.

• The university has the right to differentiate between regularly scheduled academic or co-curricular activities and other assemblies, demonstrations or protests.

• Compliance with the Kennesaw State University student conduct regulations, Kennesaw State University policies and procedures, state laws of Georgia, and federal laws is required.

• The university reserves the right to refuse to permit individuals or groups to assemble, demonstrate or protest if the individuals or groups refuse to abide by these administrative procedures and guidelines.

• The university reserves the right to alter these administrative procedures and guidelines if necessary to ensure the academic as well as personal rights of the students, faculty and staff of Kennesaw State University.

• The authorized representative and/or person in charge is required to sign in compliance with these administrative procedures and guidelines; to acknowledge that the university will not be held responsible for the actions for participants in the assembly, demonstration or protest; and to agree to make restitution for any litter or property damage that occurs due to the activity.

• The Kennesaw State University Office of Public Safety and other appropriate administrators will be notified upon receipt of the request for permission to use the campus for assembly or expression. This request is a public record and submitted requests will be released to interested parties.

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Students of Kennesaw State University are guaranteed all of the rights, privileges and freedoms granted to a citizen of the United States. In addition, they are entitled to an environment that is conducive to learning and individual growth. Please be aware of KSU's Human Relations Position Statement and our Policy on Disruption of Campus Life. Complete policies are available at http://www.kennesaw.edu/student_life/shb.shtml

Please submit this form at least five business days prior to the event. Once your event request has been processed, and the space you requested confirmed, you will receive a space use confirmation. The confirmation will state the name of the event, date, time, location and the name of the requester.

Space is not reserved until you receive an e-mail confirmation. 9.28.12

 

Organization Information:
Name of person requesting activity:
Name of Organization:
Type of Organization:
E-mail Address:
(Insure this to be a valid email address as this will be the only method of correspondence)
Approximate number of people participating as part of your organization, activity or event:

*

*KSU cannot be held responsible for the safety of children participating in an event. Persons under the age of twelve (12) may not participate in the event or be within the marked area. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Address:
  
Phone:

Event Information:

Specific activity to be conducted / Event Description: (i.e. speech or rally, march, picketing, distribution of literature, etc.)
Specific purpose of activity:
Other information or questions
pertinent to the event:
If this event is being co-sponsored, list other group(s) and describe
their involvement:
Will you have a speaker or speakers? If Yes,
Names of speaker(s):

Name of main speaker:

Names of additional speakers:

Requested Date:

Activities may be conducted  Mondays, Thursdays and/or Fridays from 10am to 11:30am.  Please note that the first full week of classes and Final Exam Week of each semester are closed to public performances, dances, concerts and similar extracurricular activities such as these assemblies.  For a current academic calendar, click here. If you cannot use the space, please cancel at least by the day before the scheduled date. Missed scheduled dates still count towards the total.

Date ((Month/Day/Year)
Start time
End time
Comments
Please note: There may be no interference with other authorized or scheduled Institute activities. Refrain from actions that are likely to create an imminent safety or health hazard. Public speech that is likely to incite or produce imminent lawless action or under the current legal standards is either defamatory or obscene is prohibited.

Services & Amplified Sound:

Sound amplification (including microphones or bullhorns) is not permitted due to the disruption of classes and other academic and administrative functions of the institution. Kennesaw State University equipment will not be available for assemblies, demonstrations and protest activities. There will be no use of motorized vehicles. Kennesaw State University is not responsible for equipment that is lost or stolen (Refer to above policy).
Please indicate if you will use any equipment during the regularly scheduled hours noted above. List type. 
I understand the guidelines regarding equipment and amplified sound on the KSU campus.

Form Submission:

Statement of compliance: In consideration of a request to use Kennesaw State University grounds and facilities as outlined in the policy and guidelines, I verify that I have read and that I understand the policy on Freedom of Assembly and Expression. I agree to abide by the conditions of the Kennesaw State University policy, to abide by the guidelines indicated in this document, and follow the federal and state laws:

  

 

 

 

  

 
Comments, questions, or additional information:

Once all information is entered, please click submit button below.

Space is not reserved until you receive an e-mail confirmation.