Freedom of Expression and On-Campus Protests and Demonstrations

The College is committed to fostering an environment where community members can engage with challenging and uncomfortable ideas, voice dissent and criticism, and participate in the ongoing dialogue that shapes our community and society.

The College’s commitment to freedom of expression does not extend to words or actions that: 

• Threaten the physical safety of any person; 
• Violate or incite the imminent violation of College policies or federal, state, or local laws; 
• Interfere with the rights of others to access campus spaces and programs; or
• Substantially disrupt the learning environment of the College.

The College may establish reasonable limits on the time, place, and manner of expression and may take steps to ensure that expression does not interfere with the operations of the College or the rights of others. The College will not consider the viewpoint of the expression when establishing such limits or enforcing this policy.

Events and activities, including protests, must:

• Respect the rights of all community members, including the rights of others to learn, work, and move freely on campus 
• Allow normal College operations to continue 
• Maintain a safe and secure physical environment

Participants in an event or activity, including a protest, must identify themselves to college officials who have been designated by the College to ensure safety and security and normal college operations, including to provide identification when requested, and must follow the instructions of those college officials.

Event organizers and participants may be accountable for actions at the event or activity by non-College community members who have been invited or encouraged to attend.

Events and activities, including protests, may not:

• Block access – Instead, keep building corridors, entrances, exits, and emergency routes clear and do not violate any building codes including occupancy. 
• Prevent, obstruct, or disrupt operations – Instead, allow classes, offices, and campus programs to function normally. 
• Violate law or College policies – Individuals must comply with all local, state, and federal laws (e.g. fire/life safety codes, health codes, criminal laws, building occupancy limits) and applicable College policies.
• Exceed noise limits – All College and Town of Brunswick noise restrictions must be followed. 
• Interfere with the rights of others – For example, speakers, college officials, or other individuals may not be prevented from being heard by shouting, loudspeakers, or physical interference.
• Harass or discriminate – All activity must comply with the College’s policies against discrimination and harassment.
• Damage property – College property may not be defaced. Other than in accordance with the Poster Policy, individuals may not attach signs, materials, or equipment to College property without written approval from Safety and Security or a designated senior officer. 
• Project messages – Projecting messages on or in campus buildings requires advance approval. 

Use of Signs and Materials 

• Signs and messaging materials must comply with the College Postering Policy 
• Materials cannot be attached to College property without permission 
• Placement of equipment, displays or structures on campus requires advance approval

Advance Consultation 

Students are encouraged to consult with Student Activities or the Office of the Dean of Students before organizing protests or demonstrations. This consultation helps ensure the student event proceeds smoothly and within policy guidelines.

Employees with questions about this Policy can contact Human Resources. Human Resources may direct employees to other applicable departments such as Safety and Security or the Office of Events and Summer Programs.

College Authority  

The College reserves the right to: 

• Limit participation in events and activities to members of the College community and direct individuals who are not members of the College community to leave campus
• Adjust timing and location of events and activities if necessary to ensure safety and minimize disruption 
• Postpone or cancel events and activities that cannot meet College policy requirements or when adequate preparations are not feasible 

These decisions will be made without regard to the viewpoint being expressed, and will consider safety, operations, and the rights of all community members. 

Enforcement and Accountability 

Students, faculty, or staff who violate this policy may face: 

• Student disciplinary proceedings under the Code of Community Standards 
• Employee disciplinary action under Faculty and Employee Handbooks 
• Legal consequences for violations of law 

 

Last Updated: January 20, 2026