“From its very founding, the University of Chicago has dedicated itself to the preservation and celebration of the freedom of expression as an essential element of the University’s culture.” - Chicago Principles: Report on the Committee on Freedom of Expression
Published in January 2015, Report on the Committee on Freedom of Expression affirmed that the University “is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, and guarantees all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn.”
The report also notes that free expression does not mean that “individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish.” Protests are one example where the University may “reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the University.”
Policies Related to University Protests
The right to protest is an important part of the University’s commitment to free expression. University policies concerning protests are intended to support this principle in numerous ways:
- Welcome members of the University community to exercise their right to protest and express a wide range of viewpoints, without regard to subject matter or specific perspectives.
- Make it possible for individuals with many different points of view to express themselves while not excluding others from doing the same, and without interference from others.
- Ensure that expression takes place in a safe environment, free from harassment or threatening behavior, while maintaining University operations.
- Support protest activity while ensuring that it does not substantially obstruct, impair or interfere with teaching, study, research or administration of the University.
The following policies help guide and facilitate free expression at the University during times of protest and/or disagreement:
Protest and Demonstrations Policy
Civil Behavior in a University Setting
Statute 21 of the Articles of Incorporation of the University of Chicago
Updates to University Policies in Advance of the 2024/2025 Academic Year
The University regularly evaluates and revises policies and regulations to address evolving needs. This year’s changes include updates that will help foster a diversity of voices across the student body, in alignment with UChicago’s principles of free expression.
Expanded Access to Indoor and Outdoor Student Centers’ Space
The updated policy adds:
- Four new outdoor tabling locations.
- A new outdoor location for hanging banners.
- A new process for temporary quad reservations, to help accommodate the many groups with an interest in reserving part of the quad.
Clarified Building Access Policies
The policy now provides additional details on:
- How buildings and other University spaces may and may not be used. For example, after buildings are closed for the day or weekend, University work and professional spaces may only be occupied by persons authorized by the University to access them.
Policies Encouraging Non-Disruptive Events on Campus
The revised policy clarifies that:
- The erection or construction of any structure on campus (including shelters, tents, fencing, etc.) requires advance written approval of the director of the Student Centers (or designee).
- Staying overnight in outdoor structures on campus or in non-residential campus buildings is not permitted.
- Amplified sound is permissible on University property during certain times only, and not inside campus buildings.
Policies Enabling Freedom of Expression for Everyone during Protests and Demonstrations
The policy provides additional details and clarification:
- Spontaneous protests and demonstrations are obliged to follow the same policies and procedures as those who make advance arrangements.
- Counter-protestors should not engage in actions that deprive others from participating in an activity or event, should not impinge on space reserved by others, and should not interfere with signs, installations, or other materials associated with an activity.
Updated Posting Policy Details
The revised posting policy provides details and clarification on:
- Overarching posting principles in keeping with UChicago’s free expression values.
- Where and how postings can be placed around campus. For example, postings should not be affixed to windows, doors, building columns, structural supports, woodwork, flag poles, light poles, or fencing, and the use of glue, packing/shipping tape, and stickers is not permitted on any outside surface or campus building.
- The reporting process for out-of-policy postings.
- Local posting policies at individual schools, divisions, units, and offices, which may supplement University policies.
Organizations and other groups of students organizing a protest or demonstration are encouraged to make advance arrangements with the staff of UChicago Student Centers and/or their appropriate Recognized Student Organization (RSO) Advisor. Advance notification enables the University to help ensure that the event takes place in a constructive and peaceable manner.
See the Protests and Demonstrations Policy for more information.
Deans-on-Call are often present during protests and demonstrations to help preserve an environment of spirited and open discourse and debate. Deans-on-Call work to:
- Provide an opportunity for participants to contribute to intellectual exchange and full engagement in an event.
- Support the event and event organizers, including protesters.
- Communicate expectations of University policies, which may include requests to see University identification.
- Work to ensure a safe environment.
For more information, visit the UChicago HELP website.
Protests are subject to similar requirements of other outdoor events on campus.
According to the policy, many outdoor areas and a few buildings on campus are, in a general sense and during normal business hours, "open to the public." However, the entire campus and all University-owned buildings are private property. The University thus restricts access to some buildings and outdoor areas during business hours, and restricts access to all buildings and some outdoor areas during non-business hours. While advance arrangements are not required for spontaneous protests and demonstrations, all protest and demonstration participants are subject to University policies regarding access to University property, alcohol, noise level, equipment construction, and appropriate use of facilities. For further information please consult the complete policy.
The City of Chicago does not permit the use of amplified sound on private property between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. To minimize the disruption of academic and administrative activities, music, amplified sound, or other loud noise, including singing, chanting, shouting, and the use of noise-making devices, is permitted on University property generally only between noon and 1:00 p.m. and after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. Even during approved hours, all noise should be kept at a reasonable level and University officials may require event organizers to change the volume to a specific lower level, or turn off the amplifiers altogether if the activity is taking place at or near Medical Center buildings.
Updated policies are available in the Student Manual.
These policies are in the Student Life & Conduct section of the Student Manual.
This policy is found in the Posting Policy section of the Student Manual.
The chalking policy is found in the Special Mention section of the Student Manual.
The University adheres to a well-defined, faculty-led Disciplinary System for Disruptive Conduct that was developed and approved by the Council of the University Senate in 2017. Once a formal complaint is received, evidence is gathered and assessed, and the Disciplinary Committee faculty lead has the authority to refer the matter to the Standing Disciplinary Committee on Disruptive Conduct to determine if policies have been violated, or to dismiss a case and not advance it further through the disciplinary process.
- If you believe University policies are potentially being violated, you may report it using the appropriate form. The appropriate unit will review your concern and determine the appropriate course of action based on their review.
- To report Disruptive Conduct concerns, you may use this form.
- See below for additional information on how to report concerns about Harassment and Sexual Misconduct or the Posting Policy.
- If you are experiencing an emergency, or if there is an imminent risk to yourself or another person, contact the Chicago Police Department by calling 911 or the University of Chicago Police Department by calling 773.702.8181.
- For concerns regarding harassment on the basis of a protected class, you can make a report to UChicago CARES (the Center for Awareness, Resolution, Education, and Support).
- For non-emergency concerns related to potentially threatening or harassing behavior, contact UCPD or the Dean-on-Call.
- A member of the University community who believes that a particular posting on campus violates the law, falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, or unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests should contact UCPD (773.702.8181).
- Postings may only be removed by authorized University staff. Interference with staff who are authorized to remove postings is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
- Other questions or concerns about postings, including complaints about alteration, vandalism or unauthorized removal of current postings, should be directed to Campus and Student Life using the form available on the Campus and Student Life website.
Additional Free Expression Resources
UChicago’s Commitment to Free Expression
Related Policies and Information
Protest and Demonstrations Policy
Civil Behavior in a University Setting
Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct
University Statement on Academic Boycotts
Statute 21 of the Articles of Incorporation of the University of Chicago
Programs and Initiatives
UChicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression
Principles of Free Expression and Institutional Neutrality
Chicago Principles: Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression
Kalven Report: Report on the University’s Role in Political and Social Action