Freedom of Expression and On-Campus Protests and Demonstrations
Bowdoin College firmly believes that the free exchange of ideas is essential to the pursuit of knowledge and the development of critical thinking. The ability to express diverse viewpoints, including unpopular or controversial ones, is fundamental to our educational mission.
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. At times, this dissent may take the form of protests and demonstrations.
The College’s commitment to freedom of expression and the expression of diverse viewpoints through protest and demonstration is robust, but it does not extend to words or actions that:
- threaten the physical safety of any person;
- violate law or College policies;
- interfere with the rights of others to access campus spaces and programs or to learn, work, and move freely on campus; or
- substantially disrupt the learning environment of the College or normal College operations.
The College will not consider the viewpoint of the expression when establishing limits on the time, place, and manner of expression or enforcing this policy.
Participants in a protest or demonstration 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.
Organizers must exercise special care if inviting people external to the College to protests or demonstrations. While outside voices may amplify messaging, they can also shift the focus of a protest and/or create safety risks. The College reserves the right to limit participation in protests and demonstrations to members of the College community and direct individuals who are not members of the College community to leave campus.
As with all events and activities, protests and demonstrations 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 substantially 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 or threaten physical safety—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. Signs and materials must adhere to the Publicity, Outside Organizations, and Solicitation on Campus policy.
Whenever possible, College officials will make efforts to work with organizers to seek to address and remedy concerns with protests or demonstrations so that they can continue within the parameters laid out here. The College may postpone or cancel a protest or demonstration that is unable to meet College policy requirements or when adequate preparations are not feasible.
Use of Signs and Materials
- Signs and messaging materials must comply with the College Publicity, Outside Organizations, and Solicitation on Campus policy.
- Materials cannot be attached to College property without permission.
- Placement of equipment, displays, or structures on campus requires advance approval.
Advance Consultation
Advance consultation helps ensure the protest or demonstration proceeds smoothly and within policy guidelines.
Students in particular are encouraged to consult with the College. They may reach out to student activities or the Office of the Dean of Students before organizing protests or demonstrations.
Accountability
For students, violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Community Standards. Faculty and staff members are accountable for this policy as they are with other College policies.
Last Updated: February 24, 2026