Campus Demonstrations

[Faculty Handbook Category #3]

St. Olaf College affirms its belief in the importance of freedom of expression and in the value of permitting all members of the college community to protest actions with which they disagree. It is for the protection of these activities that the policy on demonstrations is adopted.

Peaceful and non-obstructive demonstrations are among those activities in which members of the college community are free to engage. Obstructive or non-peaceful demonstrations will not be permitted on the St. Olaf College campus.

The college strives to maintain an atmosphere conducive to academic work and social responsibility and to protect the rights of individual members of the college community.

St. Olaf College recognizes that no definition of 'obstructive' can meet all possible situations, but defines obstructive demonstrations generally as those at which there is deliberate, continued or significant disruption of, participation in, access to, or conduct of institutional activities relevant to the college's educational mission or those situations that pose a safety risk for those in attendance.

Any non-peaceful demonstration, regardless of duration, is prohibited. Dismissal is considered the maximum penalty for violation of the demonstration policy. This does not preclude the possibility of civil or criminal action.

Off-campus demonstrations will be regulated by the civil and criminal laws governing the community. Those associated with the college should be aware that individuals planning a demonstration or parade in Northfield should advise the Northfield Police Department of the date, time and route to be used.