Campus Protest and Free Speech

Policy Statement

示威是一种方式，在那里，有相同思想的个人站在一起，以提高对紧迫的社会、种族和全球问题的意识。演示提供了创造社区意识和工作带来改变的机会。作为一所大学，我们在校园和作为国家运动和事业的一部分的公民参与方面有着悠久的传统。

Reason for Policy

Adelphi University is dedicated to learning through free inquiry and rational discourse. We believe an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect and responsibility is vital to the University’s existence and the achievement of its objectives.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

Faculty, Staff and Students

Policy

人们为什么要举行示威?

示威是一种方式，在那里，有相同思想的个人站在一起，以提高对紧迫的社会、种族和全球问题的意识。演示提供了创造社区意识和工作带来改变的机会。作为一所大学，我们在校园和作为国家运动和事业的一部分的公民参与方面有着悠久的传统。

Are demonstrations allowed at Adelphi?

Yes, peaceful, non obstructive demonstrations are allowed on campus. We work every day to foster a positive environment in which we can learn and work together. Protests are permitted as long as they do not:

1. Interfere with the normal operations of the University.
2. Prevent access to offices, buildings or other University facilities.
3. Pose a threat to the maintenance of public order, as defined by Section 129A of the New York State Education Law.

Why are peaceful, non obstructive demonstrations allowed on campus? These events may make people uncomfortable and/or not all people may agree with the protest.

Adelphi University is dedicated to learning through free inquiry and rational discourse. We believe an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect and responsibility is vital to the University’s existence and the achievement of its objectives.

Adelphi supports diversity in ideological, political and intellectual views and does not diminish other people for their views no matter what their position may be. Where individuals or groups feel called upon to exercise their rights to assemble or otherwise express dissent, they should do so with regard to the rights of others.

I have been told that expressing one’s right to free speech is the premise for allowing protests to happen on campus. How do I express myself if I don’t agree with a protest? And what do we mean by free speech?

Freedom of speech is the right to express one’s opinions and ideas. Criticism of the government and expressing unpopular ideas are included within freedom of speech. However, freedom of speech is not an absolute right and may be restricted at the University by the provisions of the Anti‐Discrimination, Harassment (Including Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking) and Retaliation Policy. Moreover, speech that is considered bullying, threatening or intimidating is prohibited on the campus by the Code of Conduct.

There have been and will be on‐going venues at which members of the Adelphi community have the opportunity to express differing points of view in a safe, respectful manner, guided by an objective facilitator. We encourage all members of our community to take advantage of these opportunities to share differing perspectives.

A student who would like to express a different viewpoint may organize a peaceful protest so long as it conforms with University policies. The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs can provide guidance and direction to members of the University community in this regard.

如果Adelphi决定抗议横幅、社交帖子和在校园活动中分享观点是有威胁的，它会怎么做?

Any statements that we considered possibly threatening are referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for follow‐up.

How is it determine if comments fall within the concept of free speech or whether these comments are prohibited on the campus?

Discrimination, harassment and retaliation of any type will not be tolerated at the University. Nor does Adelphi support bullying, threatening or intimidating language or behavior (Code of Conduct Section 10.1B). And, we always follow up on instances that are reported. Due to the fact that so much shared on social media is posted to private accounts or in circles of friends, if you read something or see something which appears threatening posted on a social platform, do not assume that the threatening message has been seen by campus leadership. The quality and strength of collective experience require each of us to speak up in order to protect a campus culture and climate that we value and seek to foster.

《行为守则》第10.1B条规定:大学社区的所有成员，以及访客和客人，都被要求以礼貌、体贴和专业的态度对待彼此。被禁止的行为包括有意或不顾后果地危及、威胁或对任何人(包括自己)造成合理的身体或精神伤害。这部分还包括跟踪或骚扰行为，包括但不限于威胁语言、欺凌、身体、口头或书面恐吓，包括网络骚扰。所讨论的行为通常是这样的，如果不加以解决，这个人将被剥夺参与或从某些教育或其他经验中获益的能力。

How does one report language or behavior that may be prohibited on the campus?

Threatening language or behavior to another member of our community should be reported immediately to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (516.877.3612 or studentconduct@adelphi.edu).

Questions about or complaints involving discrimination, harassment or retaliation can be reported as follows:

• Use our online complaint form to report discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation
• Contact the appropriate individual below, or any member of the Anti – Discrimination Panel:
  • Student Complainants:
    • Joe De Gearo (Associate Dean of Student Affairs) atdegearo@adelphi.eduor 516.877.3654
  • Employee or Third – Party Complainants:
    • Jane Fisher (director of employment, employee and labor relations) atfisher2@adelphi.eduor 516.877.3222
  • General Comments or Inquiries:
    • titleix@adelphi.eduor 516.877.4819

For emergencies or immediate assistance at any time on campus, contact the Office of Public Safety at 516.877.3511 or by dialing 5 from any campus phone.

Why do I feel uncomfortable with civil discourse?

We know that differences of opinion often generate passionately held viewpoints and differences of opinion. Our campus community is made up of thousands of individuals with a wide range of opinions and beliefs and we are fortunate to have deep resources including safe spaces, like‐minded faculty and staff and an office of diversity and inclusion. These resources allow for a myriad of discussions, programs and offerings that deeply enhance and enrich our campus environment.

大学应该是一个探索不同想法的地方——挑战我们的信仰和我们看待世界的方式的想法——一个寻求为艰难的讨论带来更多光明而不是热的社区。

How to become actively engaged in fostering community at Adelphi. How can one be a part of the campus conversation on this topic?

There are many ways for the community to be a part of this discussion. Seek out resources from Student Affairs. Attend a program put on by one of our many student clubs. Be a champion for free, open and considerate speech by respecting others’ rights to have opinions that are different from yours. Strive to learn from each other, especially when you see the situation differently.

We invite all members of the Adelphi community to engage in ensuring an environment where all members of our community are respected and valued.

Definitions

This policy does not have definitions associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Procedures

Demonstration Policy for Students

Emergency Operations Plan:Civil Disturbance and Demonstrations(PDF)

Forms

Demonstration Reservation(PDF)

Related Information

We offer many University resources. Here are helpful links and points of contact:

• Office of Student Affairs
• Student Counseling Center
• Office of International Student Services
• R. Sentwali Bakari (Vice President for Student Affairs) atsbakari@adeplhi.edu

Document History

• Last Reviewed Date:February 24, 2021
• Last Revised Date:February 24, 2021
• Policy Origination Date: December 13, 2017

Who Approved This Policy

Gene Palma,Vice President of University Wellness, Safety and Administration