Maintaining Respectful Dialogue
May 1, 2024
Dear Stony Brook Campus Community,
Peaceful protest and student activism have a long history on Stony Brook’s campus. We support every individual’s right to free expression, and I am writing today to review with our community how we can maintain an environment that promotes free speech and peaceful assembly while protecting the educational mission of the university and the safety of our students and our campus. Given recent events on our campus and elsewhere, we have received multiple requests for clarification of campus policies.
Yesterday, a group of students began erecting tents on Staller steps and they immediately complied when university staff asked that the tents be dismantled. This request was made in accordance with university guidelines. I very much appreciate the students’ response.
Subsequently, they began a demonstration on the Staller steps without the use of tents. Such a demonstration is permitted by the university’s rules. Yet, there are guidelines around such demonstrations that are in place both to protect the right of free expression and to maintain equitable access to campus. Demonstrations should not: (1) block access to or from buildings, (2) use amplified sound that disrupts university activities, (3) impede the use of space that has been reserved by another registered student club/organization or campus office, or (4) impose an ideological or political litmus test on those who seek to enter the space. The latter is antithetical to our very purpose as a university.
Demonstrations that comply with these and any other applicable rules will be permitted to continue. As we are nearing the end of the academic year, we have some spaces that have already been reserved by student groups, Staller steps being particularly popular. If a reservation has already been made, we will ask demonstrators to move to another location, and we will provide an alternative option. In order to honor the free speech and assembly rights of their fellow students, we expect that demonstrators will cooperate with the request.
The university has consistently honored our community’s First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. At the same time, the university’s expectation of compliance with its rules governing demonstrations stems from our commitment, no less important, to safeguard our community, to protect the institution from disruption, and to maintain a campus where all voices have an opportunity to be heard. We will continue to take appropriate steps to protect our students and others on campus, and we again call on all members of our community to treat each other with civility and respect.
Our Policies
In light of recent developments, and the reports we have seen from other campuses,
you may find the summary below of rights and responsibilities relating to campus demonstrations
useful. During this challenging time, Seawolves have risen to the occasion. I have
every confidence that will continue.
Summary of Stony Brook University Free Speech Policy Regarding Demonstrations
In general, the U.S. Constitution establishes the right to free speech and peaceful
assembly, and allows the university to establish reasonable “time, place and manner”
limitations so long as those policies are viewpoint neutral. The following illustrate
some practical applications of those policies:
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Right to Speech and Peaceful Assembly: As a public university, all members of the community may assemble in public spaces to peacefully express their views.
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Designated Area: If a demonstration area is established by a university official(s), demonstrators are required to comply with these physical boundaries.
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Responsibilities:
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Help maintain the orderly functioning of the university by not obstructing the free movement of people or vehicles, including in any building or facility.
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Avoid causing injury or damage to person(s) or property or remaining in a building without authorization after it's typically closed.
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If using audio amplification, use it in a manner that doesn't disrupt normal University operations.
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The use of sticks, poles, torches, or other items that may jeopardize the safety and security of others is prohibited. The erection of structures on University grounds requires prior authorization.
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Violations may result in a referral to Student Conduct and Community Standards or University Police.
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University Assistance: Organizers are encouraged to request administrative assistance from the Office of Student Life with the planning and coordination of their event, in advance, so that any questions or concerns with regard to time, place and manner can be addressed.
As we approach the end of this school year, I am deeply impressed by the thoughtful and respectful manner in which so many of you have approached your interactions with each other and enriched our campus community. Your spirit of compassion, civility, mutual respect, and your commitment to excellence embodies the Stony Brook way. It is what truly sets us apart, and I have confidence that you will continue to nurture and cherish it as you navigate the days and years ahead.
Maurie McInnis
President