Demonstration Policy

Iona University supports the right of all members of the University community (students, faculty, staff, and administrators) as individuals or as organizations to examine, discuss, and share ideas and to express opinions on its campus. This is best accomplished when expressions of ideas are respectful, civil, and value the dignity and integrity of all persons.

In order to preserve a community atmosphere, demonstrations will be aligned with ensuring the tenets of mutual respect and consideration, and approved through clear steps, where the safety and well-being of participants and campus operations are considered. This policy sets forth approved University procedures for conducting demonstrations on campus.

Procedure for obtaining authorization to hold a demonstration:

• Organizers will provide the following information via email to the Director of Campus Safety at least two business days prior to the proposed demonstration:
  • A brief description of the purpose for the demonstration.
  • Name and contact information of the organizer who will be the primary point person for questions or clarifications, will be present on site during the demonstration, and will ensure all guidelines are followed.
  • Date and time of the proposed demonstration.
  • Expected length of the demonstration.      
  • Approximate number of attendees.
  • Requested location for the demonstration to be approved by Campus Safety.
• The organizing University employee or student group will assume any costs associated with the approved activity. No University funds or resources shall be used for these purposes.
• Campus Safety will advise the organizer if the demonstration is approved and will confirm
  guidelines for the demonstration including time, place, and manner.

Prohibited acts and/or conduct include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Persons who are NOT members of the University community are not permitted to demonstrate on the Iona campus. At the discretion of the University, individuals may be asked to show their University-issued identification.
• Conducting a demonstration at a time, place, or in a manner other than previously approved by the Director of Campus Safety.
• Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other University activities or operations. This includes, but is not limited to, amplified sound or volume of noise that disrupts University activities or operations.
• Persons may not block or interfere with methods of egress, access to buildings or other
  University property, or prevent access to vehicular or pedestrian traffic on campus.
• Physical abuse of any person on University property or at University sponsored or supervised functions or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person.
• Conduct, whether verbal, physical, or otherwise, which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
• Theft or damage to property.
• Unauthorized entry to or use of University property. Individuals also may not alter University property, including, but not limited to, the erection of structures (including temporary structures).
• Disorderly conduct or lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression on University property or at University sponsored or supervised functions.
• Failure to comply with directives of University officials acting in the performance of their duties.
• Carrying of rigid signs or sign-posts (sticks) are prohibited. Only paper, cardboard, and cloth type materials are approved.
• Face coverings whereby the identity of the demonstrator is concealed are prohibited. Masks covering nose and mouth may be worn for medical purposes or prevention of spreading disease.
• Any other violations of law and/or University policies.

VIOLATIONS OF POLICY

Any violators of the policy may be requested to modify their actions to comply with standards of civil and respectful conduct. Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and may include removal from campus. Faculty, staff, and administrators who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination and may include removal from campus.

USE OF UNIVERSITY LOGO OR TRADEMARKS

The University name and logo are trademarked and should not be used to promote or endorse any activity, event, product, cause, political party or political candidate, without approval from the Office of Marketing and Communications or Provost. Students should refer all questions to the Dean of Students office.

Revised: 5/7/2024