Student Expression Policy

Policy on Student Expression

The College recognizes and supports the rights of students to engage in constitutionally protected expressive activities on campus, including speaking, non-verbal expression, distributing literature, displaying signage and circulating petitions. Expressive activities may be conducted at any publicly accessible outdoor area on campus. Expressive activities may also be conducted in any publicly accessible indoor common spaces.

Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted as limiting expressive activities at any other publicly accessible location on College property so long as the expressive activity or related student conduct does not disrupt College activities or functions or violate any other applicable College policies. Disruptive activities, which are generally prohibited, may include obstructing building entrances or exits, walkways, sidewalks, vehicular or pedestrian traffic on or adjacent to campus, and/or interfering with the College’s academic mission, classes, meetings, events, ceremonies or with other essential processes of the College. The College’s Code of Conduct further defines disruptive activities to include conduct (1) that affects the day-to-day operations of the College; or (2) where the rights of another are disrupted or interfered with such that they cannot engage in or participate in a college related program, activity or event. Examples from the Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to: shouting down a speaker; disrupting a faculty member’s instruction such that it impedes the learning process; failure to comply with a College Official’s appropriate directives or instructions; threats of harm; harassing conduct; fights or violent behavior; blocking access to or from any College facilities, events or services; or conduct that places health or safety at risk.

The College reserves the right to impose reasonable and content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions on expressive activities as constitutionally appropriate and to prohibit and/or address any expressive activities that seek to incite imminent violence or constitute harassment, threats, defamation or obscenities, or interfere with the College’s academic mission, classes, meetings, events, ceremonies or with other essential processes of the College. It shall not be inferred or implied that any expressive activity conducted in accordance with this policy is approved or endorsed by the College. Time, place and manner restrictions may include, but are not limited to, limitations on the time of day, level of sound amplification, or placement of structures on College property. Similarly, the College reserves the right to respond to expressive activities. Any student seeking to appeal the College’s time, place and/or manner restriction(s) may do so in writing to the Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management at deanofstudents@massasoit.mass.edu within three days of receiving notice of the College’s imposed restriction. The College will respond to the appeal within three days. This response will be considered final.

The College strongly encourages students who wish to engage in expressive activities in publicly accessible locations on campus to contact Student Life at studentlife@massasoit.mass.edu in order to schedule the desired location in advance so as to minimize possible conflicts. Priority for use of specific locations is given to students who register their activities with the College. Use of any non-publicly accessible locations on campus by any student must be scheduled through the Student Life Office.

When distributing literature on campus, it is strongly recommended that all such literature bear the name of the individual, club or organization distributing the materials. The distribution of literature for the purpose of solicitation or commercial activity is strictly prohibited. Posted materials and/or flyers must be limited to designated posting areas.

In order to ensure that individuals and groups who are not affiliated with the College understand the College’s policies and procedures concerning expressive activities on campus, all unaffiliated individuals or groups must first contact the Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management at deanofstudents@massasoit.mass.edu at least 48 hours before engaging in any expressive activities on College property.

 

Policy was accepted and approved by the President's Cabinet on February 12, 2026.