• As defined in the Freedom of Expression Policy, “expressive activity” or “expression” means non-commercial speech and activities that are protected by the First Amendment. Examples of expressive activities include speeches, performances, demonstrations, marches, protests, picketing, and the distribution of non-commercial literature.
  • Speech is only one type of expression or expressive activity. The First Amendment protects both expression and speech. 

  • If you are a KSU student, faculty, or staff member, or their invited guest, then you are considered part of the “KSU campus community” under the Freedom of Expression policy. Members of the KSU campus community may engage in expressive activity in any unrestricted, outdoor area of campus. Note: If you are planning an expressive activity and anticipate 30 or more individuals will participate, please see Section C(I) of the Freedom of Expression Policy.

    Individuals or groups who are not members of the KSU campus community may engage in expressive activities in the Designated Campus Areas of the Marietta and Kennesaw campuses after obtaining approval from the Office of the Dean of Students. To receive approval, such individuals or groups must submit a Public Forum Reservation Request Form to KSU’s Office of the Dean of Students at least four University business days prior to the scheduled expressive activity.

  • “Restricted” outdoor areas of campus include, but are not limited to, the KSU Sports and Recreation Park, Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Bailey Athletic Complex, Campus Entry Law, S. Walter Kelly Sr. Memorial Field, athletics fields, parking lots and decks and active campus construction areas.

  • For members of the KSU campus community, KSU has deemed all the unrestricted outdoor areas of its campuses as public forums and venues of expression. KSU has also designated the following highly visible locations as public forums:

    • Kennesaw Campus: Campus Green Zones 1-7, as shown in this diagram.
    • Marietta Campus: By the Globe between the Administration Building (Building B) and the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center (Building A), as shown on the Marietta campus map.

    These areas are referred to in the Freedom of Expression Policy as “Designated Campus Areas.”

  • KSU Campus Community: No. For members of the KSU campus community, all unrestricted, outdoor areas are available for expressive activity. However, because the University has a responsibility to provide a secure learning environment and must ensure that the University can continue its academic and administrative operations, KSU reserves the right to direct groups of 30 or more individuals who are engaging in spontaneous expression to one of the Designated Campus Areas or other available areas.

    Members of the KSU campus community who plan to engage in expressive activity on campus with a group of 30 or more individuals must submit a completed Public Forum Reservation Request Form to KSU’s Office of the Dean of Students at least four University business days prior to the scheduled activity and receive approval in writing prior to engaging in such activity. Reservations must be completed as set forth in Section E of the Freedom of Expression Policy. Prior notice is required to ensure that there is sufficient space for the large group event, that necessary University resources are available for crowd control and security, and that the academic and other operations of the University are not disrupted. To ensure the safety and security of campus, planned large group expression activities are limited to Designated Campus Areas.    

    Non-KSU Campus Community: Individuals who are not enrolled at KSU, employed by KSU, or an invited guest may only engage in expressive activity in the Designated Campus Areas if they have made a reservation in accordance with Section D of the Freedom of Expression Policy. This does not apply to KSU invited classroom visitors or to any University-sponsored events.

  • The Public Forum Reservation Request Form is available at “publicforum.kennesaw.edu”. Completed forms must be submitted to KSU’s Office of the Dean of Students in person, via email to publicforum@kennesaw.edu, or via the web form at least four University business days prior to the scheduled event. For more information regarding the reservation process, see Section E of the Freedom of Expression Policy.

  • Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) seeking to reserve campus indoor spaces should work with the Department of Student Activities.  More information is available here.

    For all other individuals and/or organizations, please work with the Department of Event and Venue Management (EVM).  EVM generally controls the use of academic and non-academic spaces at KSU, including indoor space. Individuals who wish to reserve indoor space at KSU must comply with EVM’s policies and procedures. More information is available at: events.kennesaw.edu.   

  • Amplified sound refers to any sound whose volume is increased through amplification equipment (audio/visual equipment), whether that equipment is powered by electronic, mechanical, instrumental, or motor-powered means. The use of amplified sound in outdoor areas is governed by KSU’s Outdoor Amplified Sound Policy, which is available under the “Policies” tab at policy.kennesaw.edu.
    • Check out KSU’s Public Forum page for more information about the Freedom of Expression Policy and additional resources.
    • Read the Division of Legal Affairs’ FAQs About the First Amendment and KSU.
    • Submit a question via the “Contact Us” page of the Public Forum website or email KSU’s Office of the Dean of Students at publicforum@kennesaw.edu.
  • Yes. The KSU campus community is free to share ideas and opinions, even those that some may find offensive or controversial, at KSU. Ideas and opinions should be openly and freely debated and discussed, both inside and outside the classroom, without fear of suppression or reprisal. KSU promotes such intellectual debates and also upholds the values of civility and mutual respect while debating. For more information on the First Amendment and protected speech, see: https://legal.kennesaw.edu/resources/first_amendment.php
     

  • You can submit a question or concern via the “Contact Us” page of the Public Forum website or email KSU’s Office of the Dean of Students at publicforum@kennesaw.edu.