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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:
To describe the conditions under which posting of materials and sidewalk chalking are permissible on the property of the University and its affiliate organizations.
APPLIES TO:
All faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors.
CAMPUS:
Lawrence
POLICY STATEMENT:
Posting of Materials
The University has established bulletin boards across campus for the purpose of posting items such as flyers, posters, handbills, and similar materials. Posting materials must be confined to designated bulletin boards to prevent littering and administrative costs associated with maintenance, upkeep, and campus beautification goals.
Posting in areas other than designated bulletin boards is prohibited. Prohibited areas include, but are not limited to, walls, doors, windows, chairs, utility poles, bus stops, newspaper distribution boxes, vehicle windshields, trash cans, and other similar surfaces.
In addition to print materials, the use of projectors, laser pointers, spotlights or similar technologies that project images on a surface are prohibited.
Flyers, posters, handbills, and other similar materials must be posted on a designated University bulletin board, as outlined below.
1. Classroom Bulletin Boards
Classroom bulletin boards are located within classrooms, and their use is restricted to instructional information as defined by the instructors who use that classroom. These boards may not be used by other groups or individuals for other purposes, and unauthorized materials may be removed immediately. Examples of instructional information may include course syllabi, assignments, information about lectures or events related to the course, or other relevant course materials posted by the instructors.
2. Unit/Department Bulletin Boards
Unit/Department bulletin boards are assigned to specific university units or departments (e.g., the Office of First-Year Experience, the Chemistry Department). These bulletin boards are often located near the physical office of the unit or department to which the bulletin board is assigned. Use of Unit/Department bulletin boards is restricted to the assigned unit or department and may not be used by other groups or individuals for other purposes. Examples of materials that units and departments may post on their boards may include notices about classes, departmental meetings, scholarship, study, employment opportunities, lectures, exhibits, or performances.
3. General Use Bulletin Boards
General Use bulletin boards may be used by the entire KU community, though they are intended primarily for students. These boards can be used to post information on any non-commercial topic, including but not limited to campus events, student groups, job opportunities, current events and news, political causes, opinions, etc.
Additionally, the following considerations apply to all bulletin board categories:
- Commercial materials are not permitted.
- Individuals may not post two of the same materials on the same bulletin board.
- Individuals should be respectful of existing materials on the bulletin board and not alter, remove, or post over other materials.
- Unauthorized materials may be removed.
Sidewalk Chalking
Sidewalk chalking is permitted for members of the University community on paved, uncovered campus sidewalks. Only water-soluble, dry-stick sidewalk chalk is allowed. Aerosol spray chalk, paint, and all other products that do not wash away in the rain are prohibited.
Chalking is prohibited on any surface other than paved, uncovered campus sidewalks, including but not limited to stairways, curbs, covered sidewalks, brick surfaces, buildings, windows, benches, planters, trash containers, pillars, flag poles, and other vertical surfaces.
Chalking that is commercial in nature is prohibited.
All chalking is subject to routine removal by Operations staff in the interest of campus beautification and cleanliness.
CONSEQUENCES:
Unauthorized posting of materials or prohibited chalking is subject to immediate removal. The responsible individual or sponsor may be billed for costs related to removal, clean up, or repair. In the case of commercial advertisements, both the company whose products or services are being advertised and any advertising agency or group responsible for the postings or chalking may be billed for costs.
Egregious or repeated violations of this policy may result in loss of privileges for individuals, companies, or groups.
Individuals who violate the above mentioned provisions of this policy may be subject to Kansas law regarding damage to State property.
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
APPROVED BY:
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
APPROVED ON:
1998-09-01
EFFECTIVE ON:
1998-10-01
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)
Kansas Board of Regents Statement on Free Expression
Political Activity
Public Assembly, Policy on
Use of University Facilities by External Organizations and Entities, Policy and Procedures
RELATED OTHER:
University Ceremonies and Special Events
CHANGE HISTORY:
03/24/2025: Migration to TeamDynamix from Drupal.
09/09/2024: Updated link.
08/20/2024: Updated to clarify the prohibition on projectors, laser pointers and spotlights.
05/16/2022: Updated to align with KBOR's Statement on Free Expression.
07/16/2020: Substantively revised to remove outdated information and align with existing University practices.
07/25/2018: Updated UEC to the Office of Event Management and Protocol.
08/22/2016: Revisions to section on sidewalk chalking approved by Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor.
12/05/2014: Policy formatting updates (e.g., bolding, spacing).
12/12/2012: Reviewed; no substantive changes.
06/18/2011: Updates approved by the Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor.
08/01/2010: Revisions from 06/25/2010 effective.
06/25/2010: Section on sidewalk chalking approved by the Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor.
01/20/2002: Revision effective spring semester, 2002.
11/07/2001: Approved by the Provost.
11/06/2001: approved by the University Senate Executive Committee.
Fall 2001: Amended by Student Senate.
10/01/1998: Approved by the Office of the Provost.