Several American universities have implemented new rules to regulate protests and free speech on their campuses, reports the New York Times. These decisions were made in response to the large-scale protests linked to the Israel-Hamas war. These policies vary from one institution to another, but they tend to restrict protests in terms of time and location, and explicitly prohibit encampments.
Some universities say the changes are minimal or simply clarify existing rules. Lawyers argue that the new measures are generally within the acceptable bounds of free speech, provided they are applied fairly. Critics, however, say the restrictions are designed to stifle protest. Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, a professor at the University of New Orleans, was quoted by the New York Daily News as saying the new rules “make it easier for administrators to say that student protesters have violated something.”
Limit demonstrations to certain hours
In detail, some universities have announced that they are restricting demonstrations to specific times and are banning them at night. At Ohio State University, for example, all events must end by 10 p.m. At Northwestern (Illinois), demonstrations are banned before 3 p.m. in certain areas. Franklin & Marshall College (Pennsylvania) limits demonstrations to a maximum of two hours.
At Indiana University, vigils were held at 11 p.m. to violate the new restrictions in response to the decisions. This led to disciplinary proceedings against nine people, including a professor, Ben Robinson, who had already been arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest in the spring, writes the New York Times. Also in Indiana, the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana (UCLA) filed a lawsuit against the restrictions, “saying they prevent people from discussing politics or holding signs after 11 p.m.”
Requirement for prior authorization
Many universities now require protest organizers to apply for permission in advance. Some colleges have announced that unregistered protests of more than 25 people can be dispersed. Another example is spontaneous protests that require filling out a form and speaking to a member of staff.
Separately, encampments, which were a central part of pro-Palestinian activism, are now explicitly banned on several campuses, including Emory in Georgia, Rutgers in New Jersey and UCLA in California. In Virginia, university spokesman Brian Coy told the paper that “the University of Virginia is an institution of higher education, not a campground.”
Restrictions on certain speeches
In other cases, universities have also chosen to limit protests to specific areas of campus. Princeton banned protests on Cannon Green, a site where students had set up camp. At James Madison University, the Quad, where protests took place in the spring, is now reserved for events sponsored by the institution.
Finally, it is also worth noting the update to student conduct policies. In New York, university officials have clarified that comments targeting Zionists or Zionism could violate its nondiscrimination policy. According to the university, the term “Zionist” can be code for a Jew or an Israeli, and stereotyping or excluding such people could violate the school’s rules.
In short, faced with the vast movement of last spring, many institutions have reacted. And overall, this is perceived by students and some professors as a way of limiting the rights to demonstrate and to express oneself freely on sensitive subjects.