Expression and Assembly Rights

Framingham State University supports the constitutional right of free speech and assembly. Conduct that is protected by the First Amendment is not actionable under law, or the Framingham State University Student Code of Conduct. All students, have a right to demonstrate on University premises provided, however, that no such demonstration shall be permissible, which for any reason of time, place, or manner (type of behavior), materially disrupts class work or other University business, or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others.

Any form of demonstration that substantially interferes with University business in a campus building space is a violation of this policy. Students are prohibited from blocking free entry to or free exit from buildings, interfering with free movement, or presenting obstacles to regular University activities. “Interfering with free movement” is defined as any physical denial or restriction of a person’s ability to freely reach or leave a given geographical area. “Obstacles” are defined as physical devices, bodies, or signs which cause interference with free movement, or sounds which prevent normal communication.

There shall be no interference with demonstrations on the grounds of content of speech, except for any speech or demonstration which incites immediate, violent action and represents a clear and present danger to the campus community, which shall be a violation of the Code of Conduct. No student shall intentionally and substantially interfere with the freedom of speech of another person on University premises or at University sponsored activities. Failure to cease any activity in violation of the Code of Conduct, immediately following either written or oral notice by a University official shall also be a violation of this policy.