Newsgroups: alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk
From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie)
Subject:  [PSU] Policy Statement On Free Expression And Disruption
Message-ID: <1993Mar22.190204.10840@eff.org>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1993 19:02:04 GMT

[This is part of the Pennsylvania State University code. It is from
the document '//psuinfo/Policies-Rules for Students/Policies and
Rules/Free Expression And Disruption'.  It is available via
gopher to info.psu.edu.

Some points of interest:

Its definition of "disruption" is content neutral and not based of
offensiveness.

Says that the University should promote freedom of expression.

- Carl]


POL09: B.  POLICY STATEMENTS
 
     1.  POLICY STATEMENT ON FREE EXPRESSION AND DISRUPTION
 
     a.  As an academic community, The Pennsylvania State University
         is committed to the protection and preservation of the free
         search for truth; the freedom of thought, inquiry, and
         speech; and the freedom to hear, examine, and debate
         alternative theories, data, and views.  These are fundamental
         rights, which must be practiced, protected, and promoted by
         the University.
 
     b.  It is essential in the University that channels of
         communication be open, effective, and accessible to all
         members of the academic community.
 
     c.  The University recognizes, respects and protects all
         peaceful, nonobstructive expressions of dissent, whether
         individual or collective, that are within the law, that are
         within University regulations and that do not interfere with
         the regular and essential operation of the University.  The
         regular and essential operation of the University is
         construed to include, but is not limited to, the operation of
         its offices, classrooms, laboratories, and research
         facilities and the right of access to these and any other
         physical accommodations used in the performance of the
         teaching, research, and administrative functions and related
         adjunct activities of the University.
 
     d.  Disruption is an action or combination of actions by an
         individual or a group that unreasonably interferes with,
         hinders, obstructs, or prevents the regular and essential
         operation of the University or infringes upon the rights of
         others to freely participate in its programs and services.
 
     e.  It is the responsibility of University officials to initiate
         action to restrain or prohibit behavior that threatens the
         purposes or the property of the University or the rights,
         freedoms, privileges, and safety of the personnel of the
         academic community.