Rights & Responsibilities

Purpose & Policy Statement

Thomas Jefferson University (the “University”) values free inquiry and the search for knowledge and insight. The University recognizes the concurrent obligation on the part of all members of the community, guests, and visitors to maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Orderly demonstrations organized by University students or student organizations are permitted on campus only in accordance with this policy. Neither University approval of an event nor the use of University property for event purposes implies acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed.

Scope

This policy applies to all full-time, part-time, matriculated and non-matriculated students at Thomas Jefferson University.  

Leadership & Prior Consultation

A member of the University’s student community must be designated the Organizer(s) (“Organizer”) for each demonstration (the “Event”).

The Organizer(s) must contact the Dean of Students Office (on the East Falls Campus) or the Office of Student Affairs (on the Center City Campus) to schedule a meeting to discuss the Event and coordinate planning efforts with the appropriate campus partners. If the Organizer(s) is planning the Event on behalf of the University recognized club or organization, the faculty advisor to the club or organization must be aware of the proposed event and strongly encouraged to attend the meeting.

The Dean of Students/Office of Student Affairs or designate will respond to the Organizer(s) to schedule a meeting as soon as practicable. During the meeting the Dean of Students Office/Office of Student Affairs will review the details of the proposed Event, including proposed time, place, manner, and anticipated size.  All speakers from outside of the University must be pre-approved by the Dean of Students/Office of Student Affairs. Expectations, responsibilities, and logistical considerations will be discussed. If approved by the Dean of Students Office or Office of Student Affairs, the event may move forward for review by Public Safety.

All requests must be reviewed and approved by Public Safety before final, written approval is provided by the Dean of Students Office/Office of Student Affairs.

Reservation of campus space for any Event is contingent upon availability. Space cannot be reserved without approval by the Campus Reservationist and such approval is conditioned upon the prior written approval of the Event from the Dean of Students/Office of Student Affairs. 

Locations generally available for these activities may include:

• On the East Falls Campus activity must be contained within the campus boundaries of either the Gutman Quad or Reichlin House lawn.
• On the Center City Campus activity must be contained to Lubert Plaza or other areas as deemed appropriate by the University and approved in advance by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee and Director of Public Safety or designee.

Respect for the Community

Disruptive Events, including but not limited to any demonstration that interferes with the rights or safety of others, are strictly prohibited. Hate speech and/or speech that promotes violence will not be tolerated. The University will immediately terminate any Event that it considers disruptive or a threat to the community and may otherwise take steps to control an Event for safety purposes.

To use space on the campus for the purpose of a peaceful Event, the Organizer(s) must ensure the following:

Organizer(s) Responsibilities

1. At the conclusion of the Event, the Organizer must make a reasonable effort to return the space to the condition it was in prior the Event. This includes properly disposing of all garbage.
2. The Organizer(s) of the Event may be personally responsible for all associated costs with the Event including security-related expenses if deemed necessary by the University. Property damage may result in the assessment of fees for cleaning, repairs, and replacement of property.

Maintain Peace & Order

1. The Organizer(s) is responsible for taking reasonable steps to ensure compliance with these requirements by all participants and may be held individually accountable in accordance with Community Standards for violations by any persons involved in the Event. Note that if the Event is sponsored by an official University  student club or organization, the club or organization may also be sanctioned under the Community Standards.
2. The Event must be conducted in accordance with any special conditions outlined in the approval, the guidelines set forth below, and all applicable policies, including as provided in the Community Standards regarding Bias, Discrimination and Harassmen as well as local, state, and federal law. 

Organizer(s) should be advised

• Obstruction or disruption of the University and its daily operation is prohibited. This includes, without limitation, blocking roadways, sidewalks, means of entrance or egress to buildings, disruption of classroom instruction, research, administration, or events, and athletic or dramatic events.
• Unauthorized entry on any University facility or grounds is prohibited.
• Participants are required to leave University facilities and/or grounds when requested to do so by University administration, including but not limited to Public Safety.
• Amplified sound may not be used without prior authorization in areas near academic and administrative buildings and Organizer(s) should be mindful not to disrupt the neighboring community.
• Encampments and/or sleeping overnight on campus grounds or non-residential facilities is prohibited.
• The University reserves the right to impose additional restrictions or requirements in its discretion.

1. Failure to comply with this policy or other University policies is a violation of the University’s Community Standards.
2. The Organizer(s) should be aware that other Events may be approved that include opposing views. Organizer(s) are expected not to disrupt those Events.
3. An Event may be canceled or required to conclude early at the discretion of the University.