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Freedom of Expression on Campus 


What Are My Rights and Responsibilities as a Student? 

  • Stony Brook University is strongly committed to the protection of freedom of speech and expression and strives to create an environment where diverse opinions can be expressed and heard.  
  • As a member of the campus community, you have the right to free speech and peaceful assembly.  
  • These rights bring with them an obligation to maintain a campus atmosphere that is respectful to the rights of all individuals. 

For more information, visit stonybrook.edu/free-speech.



Do: 

  • Assemble peacefully to express your views and picket or orderly demonstrate in public areas.
  • Vacate reserved areas for events. Be sure to remove all of your belongings and materials ahead of the reservation setup time.
  • Assemblies requiring no services may take place without prior notification by the organizer.
  • Organizers may request services and resources if properly registered within a reasonable length of time prior to the event.  
  • If a protest area is established by a university official(s), protesters are required to comply with these physical boundaries. 


Do Not: 

  • Prevent or interfere with the orderly conduct of a University function or activity.
  • Obstruct the free movement of people, and vehicles, including in any building or facility.
  • Willfully cause injury or damage to person or property.
  • Occupy a building after it’s normally closed without authorization.
  • Willfully operate audio amplification in a manner that conflicts with normal university operations.
  • Use prohibited items such as sticks, poles, or torches that may jeopardize the safety and security of others.
  • Construct structures or camp (e.g. tents, sleeping bags) on university grounds without authorization.

 

Violations of these responsibilities may result in a referral to Student Conduct and Community Standards or University Police.