Speech and Advocacy

The University has a special obligation to protect free inquiry and free expression. On University grounds open to the public generally, all persons may exercise the constitutionally protected rights of free expression, speech, and assembly. Such activities must not, however, unreasonably interfere with the right of the University to conduct its affairs in an orderly manner and to maintain its property, nor may they interfere with the University's obligation to protect rights of all to teach, study, and fully exchange ideas. Physical force, the threat of force, or other coercive actions used to subject anyone to a speech of any kind is expressly forbidden.

These policies and campus regulations in no way constitute prohibitions on the right to express ideas and views expressed by individuals on University grounds.

Time, Place, and Manner Standards

A person's exercise of constitutional rights, including free speech and advocacy, may not unreasonably hinder orderly behavior, the normal conduct of University affairs, or safety. The University needs to be able to ensure safety, security and order, prevent unlawful conduct, preserve architectural aesthetics, and limit the volume of solicitations in public areas. The University may subject all speech and conduct in public areas to reasonable time, place, and manner regulations as long as the regulations are content neutral, narrowly tailored to serve a significant functional end and leave open ample alternative channels of communication. Time, place, and manner standards for exercising free speech and advocacy shall not be based on the content of the speech.

University Grounds

The University grounds are open to the public except those locations where such activity would significantly interfere with and/or disrupt University business (e.g. immediately adjacent to classrooms, where teaching and learning would be disrupted, or narrow walkways or corridors, where the free flow of foot-traffic would be impeded). For purpose of this policy, "grounds open to the public" are defined as the outdoor areas of the campus (lawns, patios, plazas) that are at least 20 feet from the entrances/exits of campus buildings and parking lots, and that do not restrict movement on campus walkways and are also a safe distance from the curbs of campus roads. All activity in these areas must be conducted in such a way that traffic is not impeded and the normal activity in classrooms and offices is not disrupted. If there are “counter protest or speech groups” wishing to be heard in the same area, the two groups shall remain a minimum of thirty feet away from each other. Protesting an event is permissible as long as any speaker’s right to free speech and the audience’s right to see and hear a speaker are not violated.

Except as set forth above, non-University persons or outside groups (i.e. vendors and external interest groups) may address meetings in all other areas only by invitation from a registered campus organization, student government (CSUN and GPSA), University departments, University recognized academic and administrative units, and official University of Nevada, Las Vegas alumni organizations. Faculty members may invite non-University persons to appear in classes in accordance with applicable University policies.

Reservations for Certain Areas Available for Public Gatherings

Non-University persons are permitted to speak in areas of the campus open to the public without invitation. Certain specific areas and properties available for public meetings and gatherings may be reserved. Though not required, reservations are strongly encouraged in order to ensure that a location is available for outdoor assembly at a specific date and time. The University may change the locations available for reservations in accordance with reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.

Amplification

Amplification may be used only at specified times, as part of ordinary time, place, and manner restrictions, and is prohibited at all other times and places. For more information, see Outdoor Noise Policy https://www.unlv.edu/campuslife/scheduling-guidelines#outdoornoise.