Administrative Policies

Purpose

The University of Central Arkansas is totally committed to academic freedom and free speech. The purpose of this regulation is to provide fair and reasonable regulations and guidelines regarding the rights of individual assembly and free speech while maintaining order and access to the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.

Policy

The university believes that the right of expression is as necessary as the right of inquiry and both must be preserved as essential to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and truth. However, the university also has an obligation to protect its property, to prohibit interference with the normal educational process on its campus, and to respect the private rights of all individuals. As set forth in statute and case law, free speech does not extend to harassment, threats, or intentionally inflecting mental distress. In the above cases, the individual or individuals will be prohibited from these activities on the UCA campus. Additionally, the free expression of views and opinions either by individuals or by groups must not violate any rights of others or disrupt the normal function of the university, or violate any of the provisions of the UCA Student Handbook listed as "offenses subject to disciplinary action."

Procedure

The area adjacent to the southwest corner of Ferguson Chapel, not to exceed fifty (50) feet in any direction, is hereby designated as a limited public forum. On a first-come, first-served basis individuals or organizations may utilize this designated forum for free speech purposes without registration, 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. However, no amplification equipment may be used and no structure(s) may be erected. All other areas of the campus must be scheduled for such use and approved by the university.

Comments and suggestions about Administrative Policies are appreciated.
Administrative Policy contents comments to: Susan Lilly, SusanL@uca.edu