PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Policy
PURPOSE:
This policy informs those interested in engaging in public speech or holding assemblies, rallies, marches, events, gatherings, and/or counter protests ("Assemblies") on University property of the manner in which expressive actions may be conducted by groups and the procedures for registering the assembly. Registration notifies the University of the plans by groups for such expression and allows the University to maintain a safe and secure educational environment, provide ample space for expressive group actions, and maintain safe traffic flow and safe access to buildings.
APPLIES TO:
All faculty, staff, students, and visitors
CAMPUS:
Lawrence
POLICY STATEMENT:
The University allows Assemblies (as defined below) on campus for use by registered KU student organizations, registered campus organizations, and external groups, so long as the organization or group complies with the Public Assembly Registration Procedures. The University reserves the right to reschedule, re-locate or disperse an Assembly when: a group has not complied with all University policies and the Public Assembly Registration Procedures; the Assembly cannot be reasonably and safely accommodated at the requested location; or the Assembly conflicts with scheduled operations of the University or a previously registered Assembly.
Furthermore, political activities on campus are governed by state law and certain policies of the Kansas Board of Regents. These and other laws and policy governing political activity are as forth in the Political Activity summary of Kansas Statutes and Board of Regents/University Policies on the use of University equipment, facilities, personnel, and other resources for partisan political activity.
EXCLUSIONS OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Registration is not required for an instructor conducting classroom activities outdoors if such location is not already in use.
Freedom of Expression Acknowledgment:
Nothing herein shall be construed in a manner that would result in a conflict with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other relevant federal or state laws or regulations concerning freedom of speech or expression. This policy incorporates by reference the principles set forth in the KBOR Statement on Free Expression, and shall be construed in a manner consistent therewith, along with KBOR’s policy on the Use of Campus Grounds and Facilities. Nothing herein, or in any other University policy or rule, shall be deemed to discourage students, faculty, or staff from hearing diverse points of view from speakers and programs sponsored by the University or recognized student, faculty or employee organizations. Further, with regard to any regulation or restriction of protected speech or expression, this and all other University policies or rules are intended to be content-neutral and limited to narrowly drawn time, place and manner restrictions that are consistent with established principles of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and shall be construed accordingly.
CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Room 230, Strong Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-7100
publicaffairs@ku.edu
Director, Student Involvement & Leadership Center
1301 Jayhawk Blvd.
Room 400, Kansas Union
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-4861
silcfront@ku.edu
APPROVED BY:
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
APPROVED ON:
2011-05-05
EFFECTIVE ON:
2011-05-05
REVIEW CYCLE:
Annual (As Needed)
RELATED STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND/OR POLICIES:
Board of Regents Policy on Use of Campus Grounds and Facilities (II.E.16)
Event Management Procedures
Kansas Board of Regents Statement of Free Expression
Political Activity
Use of University Facilities by External Organizations and Entities, Policy and Procedures
RELATED PROCEDURES:
Public Assembly Registration Procedures
Related Forms:
Public Assembly Registration Form
DEFINITIONS:
Assembly: Assembly shall include assemblies, rallies, marches, events, gatherings, and/or counter protests of Assemblies consisting of two or more persons acting in concert, such as a registered KU student organization, a registered campus organization, or a group or organization that is not a University unit or organization.
CHANGE HISTORY:
03/26/2025: Migration to TeamDynamix from Drupal.
02/25/2025: Updated Public Assembly Registration Form with electronic version.
09/26/2024: Public Assembly Registration Procedures PDF converted to separate live text page.
05/01/2024: Updated Office of Event Management and Protocol to Office of University Ceremonies and Special Events.
05/16/2022: Updated to align with KBOR's Statement on Free Expression.
06/16/2020: Substantively revised and approved by the Chancellor.
07/25/2018: Updated UEC with the Office of Event Management and Protocol. Updated UEC Guidelines link to the new Event Management Procedures website.
01/04/2017: Updated contact information and broken KBOR link.
04/02/2015: Fixed broken link to Board of Regents Policy Manual.
12/17/2014: Fixed broken link to Boards of Regents Policy Manual.
12/10/2014: Policy formatting cleanup (e.g., bolding, spacing)
11/25/2014: Corrected typo.
10/30/2014: Fixed broken links.
05/06/2014: Added new keywords.
05/05/2011: Approved by Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter.