Freedom of Expression: Demonstrations and Fixed Exhibits
Freedom of Expression: Demonstrations and Fixed Exhibits
“As an institution committed to social justice and higher education in the Jesuit tradition, Loyola University Chicago recognizes the importance of its role as a marketplace of ideas, where freedom of inquiry and open exchange of conflicting viewpoints is supported and encouraged. Such discourse is essential for the University to uphold the Jesuit mission of 'service of faith and promotion of justice.'" (Community Standards §603, revised 3/1/2016)
On November 12, 2015, over 700 Loyola students, staff, and faculty members participated in a demonstration on Loyola’s West Quad, gathering both in solidarity with students on other campuses and to call attention to the experiences of underrepresented students (specifically but not exclusively Black or African-American students) on Loyola’s own campuses. Among the calls to action that resulted from this event was a strong and pervasive desire throughout Loyola's community to revise its “Demonstration and Fixed Exhibit Policy.”
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution devoted to social justice, this movement became a catalyst for change. After a constructive and respectful dialogue lasting several months and involving all members of the University community, from students to faculty, staff, and senior leadership, the Community Standards were updated during the spring of 2016. The amended Student Free Expression: Demonstration and Fixed Exhibit Policy (§603), which can be found in the Community Standards, is the result of this collaborative effort; this policy now stands as a testament both to the power of student voices and to the progress that can be accomplished when a community comes together to effect change.
Key updates to the policy included:
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Demonstration approval is not required. Organizers are encouraged to notify the Office of the Dean of Students two days before the demonstration; however, formal approval to move forward is no longer necessary.
-
Indoor demonstrations are now recognized and may occur in two locations on our lakeside campuses (Damen Student Center and Terry Student Center) as long as they do not impede building traffic or operations.
-
Outdoor demonstrations can be held throughout campus and are no longer limited to the Damen North Lawn.
-
Amplified sound is permitted during outdoor demonstrations if used in a manner that does not substantially interfere with classes or other events on campus.
-
Under the policy, demonstrations and fixed exhibits—regardless of the content or viewpoints expressed—are permitted so long as they are orderly, lawful, and congruent with policies within the Community Standards.
In an effort to assist you with planning and executing your demonstration please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines.
“As an institution committed to social justice and higher education in the Jesuit tradition, Loyola University Chicago recognizes the importance of its role as a marketplace of ideas, where freedom of inquiry and open exchange of conflicting viewpoints is supported and encouraged. Such discourse is essential for the University to uphold the Jesuit mission of 'service of faith and promotion of justice.'" (Community Standards §603, revised 3/1/2016)
On November 12, 2015, over 700 Loyola students, staff, and faculty members participated in a demonstration on Loyola’s West Quad, gathering both in solidarity with students on other campuses and to call attention to the experiences of underrepresented students (specifically but not exclusively Black or African-American students) on Loyola’s own campuses. Among the calls to action that resulted from this event was a strong and pervasive desire throughout Loyola's community to revise its “Demonstration and Fixed Exhibit Policy.”
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution devoted to social justice, this movement became a catalyst for change. After a constructive and respectful dialogue lasting several months and involving all members of the University community, from students to faculty, staff, and senior leadership, the Community Standards were updated during the spring of 2016. The amended Student Free Expression: Demonstration and Fixed Exhibit Policy (§603), which can be found in the Community Standards, is the result of this collaborative effort; this policy now stands as a testament both to the power of student voices and to the progress that can be accomplished when a community comes together to effect change.
Key updates to the policy included:
-
Demonstration approval is not required. Organizers are encouraged to notify the Office of the Dean of Students two days before the demonstration; however, formal approval to move forward is no longer necessary.
-
Indoor demonstrations are now recognized and may occur in two locations on our lakeside campuses (Damen Student Center and Terry Student Center) as long as they do not impede building traffic or operations.
-
Outdoor demonstrations can be held throughout campus and are no longer limited to the Damen North Lawn.
-
Amplified sound is permitted during outdoor demonstrations if used in a manner that does not substantially interfere with classes or other events on campus.
-
Under the policy, demonstrations and fixed exhibits—regardless of the content or viewpoints expressed—are permitted so long as they are orderly, lawful, and congruent with policies within the Community Standards.
In an effort to assist you with planning and executing your demonstration please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines.