Campus Demonstration Policy & Registration

Tulane University’s purpose is to create, communicate and conserve knowledge in order to enrich the capacity of individuals, organizations and communities to think, to learn and to act and lead with integrity and wisdom. In service to this purpose, Tulane recognizes the critically important historical and current role civil disobedience serves in evolving our democracy. From global, national, state and local human rights to specific Tulane polices, procedures, and practices, the act of protest and demonstration has led to our collective evolution.  Therefore, we are committed to creating and protecting an environment in which a variety of ideas can be freely expressed, critically examined, and made with respect for the dignity and freedom of others.

These Demonstration Guidelines are intended to protect the rights of those involved in the demonstration, others in the University community, and the University from disruption to teaching, research, administrative procedures, or other activities. 

In order to ensure space, safety, and support for demonstrations and demonstrators, events must be registered at least two business days prior to the proposed demonstration date via the Demonstration Registration Form on WaveSync.  The earlier an event is registered, the more time we have to meet to support organizers, and provide resources to prepare for and host an effective demonstration.

Following submission of the Demonstration Registration Form, the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Campus Life or their designee will reach out to the organizer to schedule a meeting to review demonstration details, organizational and/or individual needs, and these university guidelines in order to finalize approval for the demonstration. Both the organizer and the AVP for Campus Life or their designee agree to submit any changes to the agreed upon and approved demonstration activities listed in the Demonstration Registration Form. Any plans or materials not shared may not be approved and could impact the demonstration.  

In addition to these guidelines and resources available to organizers, two specific items will be discussed: 1) what University personnel, including University Response Team, Student Affairs staff, legal counsel, and/or Tulane University Police Department, will be present for all or part of the demonstration. This presence is to ensure organizers’ own safety, rights are protected, and the University’s regular operations and activities are not interrupted. And, 2) what is the possibility of a counter protest occurring, to protest or rally for an opposing viewpoint to the one being advocated by the demonstration.  The AVP for Campus Life or their designee will work with counter protestors to be in compliance with all of the same demonstration guidelines in order to ensure individuals and organizations participating in counter protests and rallies avoid any action that designed to physically disrupt, damage, or block the original demonstration.

• The privilege of hosting and organizing demonstrations on Tulane property is reserved soley for Tulane affiliates; including Recognized Student Organizations, students, faculty, and staff.  Demonstrations may not be organized by off-campus persons or organizations.
   
  • This privilege may not be passed onto or conferred to an unaffiliated group.  For example, students, faculty, staff, nor Recognized Student Organizations, may reserve a facility on behalf of or for use by an outside/unaffiliated group, organization or individual.  This conduct constitutes “fronting” and is prohibited. University employees or students who engage in fronting may be subject to disciplinary action.

• Demonstrations may take place on campus in the following areas, permitting the activities do not interfere with a current reservation. Additional locations may be possible based on organizer’s plans and university approval.
   
  • McAlister Auditorium Plaza
  • LBC Pocket Park
  • Academic Quad
  • Downtown campus…

• Marches may occur on campus and/or within the TUPD perimeter patrol
   
  • Please note, if organizers desire to march on city streets, there is a City of New Orleans Special Permit Application required by the City at least 3 weeks in advance.  NOPD parade fees are determined and agreed upon prior to the event taking place by the City of New Orleans and the demonstration organizer is responsible for all NOPD parade fees.

• The university has speakers and a sound system for organizers to use if they wish.  Amplified sound is allowable as guided by the University’s Amplified Sound Policy. Amplified sound includes, but is not limited to, microphones and bullhorns. This includes the following days/times:
   
  • Monday-Friday: 11:00am-2:00pm in Pocket Park
  • Monday-Friday: 5:00-10:00pm in Pocket Park, McAlister Plaza, Academic Quad
  • Saturday: 12:00-10:00pm in Pocket Park, McAlister Plaza, Academic Quad
  • Sunday: 12:00-7:00pm in Pocket Park, McAlister Plaza, Academic Quad

• Placards, signs, and banners constructed from poster board or of other similar material are all allowable.  Participants may not use placards constructed from material of a hard substance. They may be affixed by tape or string and remain in place for the duration of the demonstration so long as they do not cause damage to University property and are removed and disposed of immediately after the demonstration or protest.  RSO’s and students may check availability for supplies to create and hang banners and signs in the SOC.
   
• In order to create and protect a university environment in which a variety of ideas can be freely expressed, critically examined, and made with respect for the dignity and freedom of others:
   
  • Demonstration participants may not attempt to coerce, intimidate, or harass any other person into viewing, listening to, or accepting a copy of any communication.
  • Demonstration participants may not obstruct or restrict the free movement of persons including sidewalks and roads; or block hallways, doorways, stairs or exits from University facilities.

• Demonstration participants should take reasonable care to reduce damage to University property and to the property of others.  At the conclusion of any demonstration, demonstration organizers are expected to make a reasonable effort to return the grounds/area to the condition it was in before the event. Property damage related to a demonstration (whether peaceful or disruptive) may result in the assessment of fees for cleaning, repairs, and replacement of property to the organization or individuals involved or both.
   
• If the AVP for Campus Life or their designee determines a point at which a demonstration becomes disruptive, they will inform the demonstrators, explaining which activities are in violation of the guidelines, and advise them on how to continue their demonstration in a manner which is not disruptive. An immediate physical threat to persons and/or property may require immediate police action as well as situations in which the AVP for Campus Life or their designee determines that a warning may not provide adequate protection for persons or property.