The University of New Orleans adopts the following Freedom of Expression Policy having as its principal interests the preservation of the academic environment and safety of its students, faculty, and staff, maintaining traffic control, preserving the appearance of the campus, preventing fraud and deception, and eliminating unnecessary expenses.

The University of New Orleans is committed to fostering a learning environment where free inquiry and expression are encouraged. The University expects that persons engaging in expressive activities will demonstrate civility, concern for the safety of persons and property, respect for University activities, respect for those who may disagree with their message, and compliance with University policies and applicable local, state and federal laws. The University of New Orleans maintains the right to regulate expressive activities on its campus through reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Unlawful, lewd, vulgar, or indecent activities disruptive to the normal operations of the University, including classes and University business activities, will not be tolerated by the University.

The purpose of the University of New Orleans Freedom of Expression Policy is to provide for expressive activity to be conducted on designated grounds of the University in a manner consistent with First Amendment principles. Groups or individuals engaging in the type of non-protected activities described above or failing to comply with other University policies or applicable local, state, and federal laws may face immediate removal from the campus and other appropriate actions by University officials and University police. It is the intention of the University of New Orleans that any portion of this policy deemed to be violative of the First Amendment be declared severable and that the remaining policy provisions be continued in effect.

The Freedom of Expression Policy is applicable to the University of New Orleans students, faculty, staff, and others who wish to engage in extracurricular public speaking, the distribution of literature, poster displays, sign displays, and any other type of graphic exhibitions, expressive performances, petitioning, or similar activities at designated locations on University property. This policy does not apply to official University activities. Except as otherwise designated below, University grounds and buildings are intended for use by the University of New Orleans students, faculty, and staff. Expressive activities permitted under this policy do not imply official endorsement by the University. Groups or individuals engaged in expressive activities are responsible for the content of the expression.

Policy Regarding Posting and Distribution of Free Literature or Printed Materials.

To preserve the aesthetic value of the University, the posting of printed materials, including banners, posters, signs, or any graphic exhibition, is limited to billboards and kiosks located throughout the University campus. Materials are not to be posted in a manner that results in damage to University property upon removal. Requests to post literature or printed material in a place other than those designated above may be made in writing to the Dean of Student Life.

The distribution of free literature or printed material by hand is permitted on the sidewalks adjacent to the Cove. The manner of distribution must not obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and must not include the harassment of others by unwanted physical contact. It is the responsibility of the individual or organization distributing the literature to rid the campus of any debris or litter caused by the distribution of such materials. No individual or group shall use the University logo or seal without the prior written consent of the University. The University retains the right to terminate the distribution of literature or printed material by any individual or group that violates the above provisions. Requests to distribute free literature or printed material by hand in a place other than the sidewalks adjacent to the Cove may be made in writing to the Dean of Student Life at least three days prior to the proposed date that the individual or group desires to distribute such materials.

All literature and printed materials must clearly show the name and address of the sponsoring person or organization in English. A duplicate copy printed in the English language must accompany material printed in a language other than in English.

Designated Areas for Activities Involving Group Gatherings or Public Speaking.

To minimize disruption of the academic mission of the University, and to control traffic on its campus, the University requires that individuals or groups desiring to engage in public speaking or expressive activity anticipated to draw a gathering of more than fifty persons must reserve the Student Amphitheater. Reservation of the Student Amphitheater is accomplished by submitting a written application for registration with the Dean of Student Life at least three days in advance of the proposed engagement. To avoid conflicts in scheduling, reasonable periods for reservation include up to 4 hours per day between 7:00a.m. and 7:00p.m. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Dean of Student Life, Office, Room 260, University Center.

Request for authorization to use the Student Amphitheater may be denied in the event that an application for registration is received less than three days prior to the engagement, or if there is a conflict with an engagement previously scheduled for the same date and time as the proposed engagement, or if the activity would constitute a violation of applicable law or any other provision of this policy. Requests to engage in public speaking at a place other than the Student Amphitheater should be directed to the Dean of Student Life.

Policy Regarding the Sale of Literature or Solicitation of Funds on Campus.

The sale or displaying for sale of any book, newspaper, pamphlet or other published materials shall be permitted provided that such published materials are not for sale at the University's bookstore, and are conducted in the areas designated in this policy. Advertisement for the sale of such materials or other commercial goods or services, whether by way of posting or distribution by hand, shall be done in a manner consistent with the provisions regarding the distribution of literature on campus. Any individual or group desiring to engage in the sale or displaying for sale of any literature or published materials must register with the Dean of Student Life at least three days prior to the proposed sale or displaying for sale of any such materials.

Except as otherwise provided, solicitation of funds is limited to and permitted by registered student organizations of the University of New Orleans. The solicitation of funds is limited to the areas designated above, and shall be conducted in a manner precluding unwanted physical contact, or persistent solicitation of persons declining to contribute. The University retains the right to terminate the solicitation of funds by any organization that violates the above provisions. Organizations desiring to engage in fund solicitation must register with the Dean of Student Life at least three days prior to engaging such activities.

General Requirement Regarding Non-Student Groups On Campus.

Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, the University's Freedom of Expression Policy applies equally to non-students and non-student groups seeking to engage in expressive activity on the University's campus. To protect the safety and well being of its students, the University of New Orleans requires that a non-student group desiring to engage in expressive activity on its campus register with the Dean of Student Life, Office, Room 260, University Center, before engaging in such activities on campus.

A non-student or non-student group seeking to engage in the sale of literature or solicitation of funds on campus must register with the Dean of Student Life and be sponsored by a registered student organization. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to the Dean of Student Life, Office, Room 260, University Center.

Information necessary to register with the Dean of Student Life shall include, but is not limited to, the name, address, and phone number of the applicant, the name of the organization, if any, the date of the proposed distribution or sale of printed materials, and the number of non-students that will be engaged in the distribution or sale of the materials.

Grievance Policy

Request to engage in expressive conduct at a time, place, or manner not provided for in this Freedom of Expression Policy are considered in the light of the University's interests as stated in the first paragraph of this policy. Any group or individual whose request for authorization to use the Student Amphitheater is denied shall have the right to appeal that denial to the Chancellor of the University or his or her designee. Likewise, the denial of a request to post or distribute materials, or otherwise engage in public speaking in manner or location other than those designated above shall result in the right to appeal to the Chancellor of the University or his or her designee for a review of the basis for the denial. Notice of the appeal shall be made in writing to the Chancellor of the University no later than three days (exclusive of weekends and holidays) following the denial. The decision of the Chancellor of the University or his or her designee shall be made no later than three days following the submission of the appeal or two days prior to the date of the proposed distribution or engagement, whichever is earlier.