UGA reiterates its freedom-of-expression policy

since 12/15/98

Columns::November 12, 2001

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Campus News

UGA reiterates its freedom-of-expression policy

By Beth Roberts
beth@uga.edu

The events of Sept. 11 and the subsequent military action by the United States have prompted questions about university policy concerning political demonstrations. In response, Pat Daugherty, director of student activities, distributed the already existing policy to UGA administrators by e-mail on Oct. 31.
“We wanted to remind everyone that the policy applies to everybody--students, faculty, staff, student organizations and visitors,” says Daugherty, whose office handles scheduling and permits for demonstrations. “Some recent demonstrations have not complied with the policy--I think because they didn’t know about it.”
According to the policy, the plazas at the Tate Student Center and Memorial Hall are designated “free expression areas” and can be used for speeches and demonstrations between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. by scheduling the activity with student activities.
Speeches and demonstrations in other areas of campus must be approved by the director of student activities at least 48 hours in advance.
Similarly, use of sound-amplification equipment must be approved 48 hours in advance.
“The policy is designed to protect everyone’s right to freedom of expression while keeping the university neutral,” says Daugherty. “Demonstrations can’t interfere with the university’s educational mission or step on the rights of other people, and by knowing in advance we can make sure we have appropriate security.”
Questions about the policy, or requests to schedule an activity, should be directed to the student activities office in room 325 of the Tate Student Center.
The full text of the policy is printed in the UGA Student Handbook on pages 42-43. The handbook is available on the Student Activities Web site in Portable Document Format at www.uga.edu/stuact/handbook/handbook.html.

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