UIndy Open Expression Policy

Responsible Offices: University of Indianapolis Police Department, Student Affairs, Office of General Counsel

Effective Date: December 9, 2025

PURPOSE

This policy outlines the commitment of the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) to promote the free exchange of ideas during peaceful assembly, while maintaining campus safety, academic integrity, and respect for all community members. 


SCOPE

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors engaging in protest activities on UIndy property.


POLICY STATEMENT

  1. General Guidelines for Protests
    1. Free Exchange of Ideas: UIndy supports the rights of individuals to express their views through peaceful protests, demonstrations, and assemblies, provided these activities do not disrupt UIndy operations or infringe upon the rights of others. 
    2. Disruptions Prohibited: Protests must not materially or substantially disrupt UIndy operations. Organizers are encouraged to coordinate with the Office of Student Affairs or Office of University Events to identify appropriate locations and times for demonstrations. While protests are not confined to designated areas, they must not obstruct access to UIndy buildings or interfere with UIndy operations and/or scheduled events. 
    3. Indoor Protests: Protesters who are UIndy Students, faculty, and/or staff may enter UIndy buildings so long as they do not violate fire code regulations, impede others’ ability to enter or exit the building, or disrupt UIndy operations, including but not limited to, events, classrooms, or business operations. They may remain in public spaces until the building closes for the day; access to specific offices or restricted areas will not be permitted. Protests are not permitted in areas where the presence of individuals would compromise physical safety or a reasonable expectation of privacy, or violate laws, regulations, or UIndy policies (e.g., laboratories and/or other research areas, libraries, residential spaces, dining halls).  
  2. Required Coordination with UIndy 
    1. Event Planning: Any person or organization planning an event at UIndy should anticipate potential protests and coordinate with either the Office of Student Affairs and/or the Office of University Events to ensure appropriate accommodations and adherence to policies. 
    2. Students who are interested in planning a demonstration or protest are required to work with the Office of Student Affairs. Faculty and staff who are interested in planning or participating in a demonstration or protest should consult their respective handbooks for information regarding additional policies that may apply.
    3. Training and Support: The Office of Student Affairs, in consultation with the Office of General Counsel and UIndy Police Department (UIPD), offers training and resources, as needed, to Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and UIndy departments to facilitate understanding and compliance with protest-related policies. 
  3. Amplified Sound and Signage
    1. Amplified Sound: Use of amplified sound devices is permitted only for UIndy events which have been approved to have amplified sound. Additionally, unreasonable noise levels are not permitted. An “unreasonable noise level” is defined as sound above 85 decibels measured by a calibrated sound-level meter at an “A” weighting on “slow” response ten feet away from and directly in front of the source, amplifier, or loudspeaker when the latter is within fifty (50) feet of a building. Event organizers must be prepared to measure sound levels and adjust as needed.
    2. Signage: Signs must not be supported by or have attached handles, knobs, sticks, or similar objects. Posting signs on UIndy buildings, lampposts, or walls requires pre-approval. Signs may not be staked into the ground and may not be affixed to trees, benches, or anything other than approved posting areas. Chalking is permitted only with washable materials on sidewalks and must not be applied to vertical surfaces or using permanent substances. 
  4. Encampments and Temporary Structures
    1. Prohibition of Encampments: To maintain campus safety and accessibility, camping, including overnight stays and the erection of temporary structures such as tents associated with protests, is prohibited. This prohibition does not limit camping or similar activity associated with an event properly approved and authorized by the University.
  5. Procedures for Dispersal of Groups 
    1. Notification: In cases of unauthorized encampments or groups that are noncompliant with UIndy policy and/or violations of law, UIndy officials will provide verbal and written notices to vacate the area, specifying a reasonable timeframe for compliance.
    2. Enforcement: If individuals fail to comply with dispersal notices, UIndy may involve the UIPD or local law enforcement to enforce the policy, ensuring actions are conducted respectfully and lawfully.
    3. Property Removal: Unattended property left in violation of this policy may be removed and stored by UIndy. Owners may retrieve their property in accordance with UIndy procedures. 
  6. Consequences of Violating this Policy
    1. Violations: Students participating in activities that violate this Policy or other UIndy policies may be subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in the Student Handbook. Employees participating in activities that violate this Policy or other UIndy policies may be subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in the Faculty and/or Staff Handbooks. Potential violations include disorderly conduct, failure to comply with UIndy officials, and unauthorized use of UIndy facilities.
    2. Disciplinary Process: The Office of Student Affairs will review incidents involving alleged violations of the Student Handbook. Human Resources will review incidents involving alleged violations of the Staff and/or Faculty Handbooks.
    3. Appeals: Individuals found responsible for violating this policy have the right to appeal decisions and outcomes through the established applicable UIndy appeals process.
  7. Reporting and Support
    1. Support Services: Students seeking support related to protest activities or disciplinary actions may contact the Office of Student Affairs for guidance and assistance.

This policy aims to balance the University of Indianapolis’ dedication to free exchange of ideas with its responsibility to maintain a safe and orderly campus environment and to promote its mission and values. For further information or clarification, please contact the UIPD.
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