Guidelines for University External Speakers*

Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is committed to fostering an environment that upholds the principles of freedom of expression, academic freedom, and open dialogue. University policies and procedures governing the time, place, and manner in which speakers and events occur at IWU are intended not to limit freedom of expression, but rather to ensure the safety of our community, ensure continuity of operations, and promote respectful discourse. We believe in the free exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives, and respectful discourse as essential components of a vibrant academic community. The use of University space shall not imply acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed.

Freedom of Expression. The exchange of ideas is vital to our primary function of development of ideas through research, teaching and learning. As such, the University expects that any external speakers will be allowed to deliver their message unimpeded by interruption or disruption. The University believes an external speaker has the right to civil discourse; the audience has a right to listen. Given those rights, should any individual or organization wish to express their dissent to a speaker, program, presentation or topic, they shall do so in compliance and accordance with the Campus Peaceful Rallies Guidelines.

While Illinois Wesleyan University encourages civil discourse, certain types of speech are not conducive to our community values and will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, speech that:

• Incites violence or promotes hate against individuals or groups based on race, national origin, shared ancestry, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
• Constitutes harassment, defamation or discrimination.
• Threatens the physical safety of others.
• Unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests.
• Materially disrupts the normal operations of the university, including an interruption of teaching or research, physical obstruction, and/or property damage.
• Infringes upon the rights of others.

This policy applies to all speakers and events open to the IWU community or a wider public. This policy does not apply to speakers invited by the faculty of the University to speak in specific classes.

Political Activity. As a non-profit, private institution of higher education whose activities are regulated in part by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the University is prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity or permitting its resources to be used for support of such activities. Signage, postings, events or programs that include candidates for public office or their designees must follow guidance and assistance from the Office of the President. In all cases, political fundraising is strictly prohibited, and all requests must be reviewed by the Office of the President.

Sponsoring Organization/Department Responsibilities. An external speaker must be sponsored by a University organization or department. All requests for hosting an external speaker must be submitted using 25Live to ensure space and appropriate logistical support. 

The following information must be provided when submitting a request in 25Live:

• The name of the organization/department seeking to invite an external speaker to campus.
• The date, time and location of the proposed event and an indication as to whether increased security may be necessary.
• The name of the proposed external speaker, including the external speaker’s professional title, presentation title/topic, and any organizational affiliation, a brief description of the speaker’s bio. A speaker bio/CV may be requested upon event review.
• The number of people expected to attend the event.
• Whether the topic or nature of the event might inspire counter-perspective.

The sponsoring organization/department is responsible for the following:

• Conducting speaker research, which may include reviewing past speeches, public statements, alignment with the sponsoring organization’s mission, and any controversies associated with the speaker that may impact the University community.
• Informing invited speaker(s) of the University’s commitment to civil discourse and the potential for a presentation of alternative views.
• Funding the event, including speaker/performer/appearance fees and other costs such as security costs, if applicable.
• Responding to communications (calls, emails, etc.) concerning the event or invited speaker(s) before and after the event in a timely and responsible fashion.
• Following all established University policies and procedures related to contracting, scheduling, and using University facilities.
• Maintaining a safe physical environment to the fullest extent possible and when appropriate, working with Campus Safety to develop a security plan.

Risk Assessment. When appropriate, Campus Safety will conduct a risk assessment to evaluate potential safety concerns related to the proposed speaker and topic. Following their risk assessment, Campus Safety may make one of the following recommendations to the sponsoring organization/department or administrative review team:

• Fully permit the event with the external speaker to go ahead unrestricted.
• Permit the event with the external speaker to go ahead following recommendations designed to reduce risk.
• Refer to the senior leadership team (President and Vice Presidents) with a recommendation to not permit the event to occur as planned.
  • Restricted events would include those deemed to encourage, celebrate or glorify hatred, violence, abusive behavior, irresponsible or illicit drug and alcohol use, and the objectification of human beings.
  • The decision of the President is final.

Any speaker contract must contain an agreement that, in the case of a clear and present danger to the University community, the speaker and sponsoring organization/department will accept the University’s decision to cancel, postpone, or cut short the event. In determining the existence of a clear and present danger, the University may consider all relevant factors, including whether, the speaker has incited violence resulting in the destruction of property at any institution of higher education or has willfully caused the forcible disruption of regularly scheduled classes or other educational functions. There must be demonstrable evidence of imminent harm to the essential functions and purposes of Illinois Wesleyan University, not simply abstract statements of possible harm.

Violations. A failure to adhere to the requirements of this policy may result in the University canceling an event and/or prohibiting a speaker from coming to campus without notice, as well as sanctioning the organization/department through any applicable disciplinary or conduct policy (e.g., Student Code of Conduct, RSO Handbook, Faculty Handbook). The actions or conduct of any invited speaker may be imputed to the sponsoring organization/department.

Review. This is an institutional policy facilitated by the President’s office. It is reviewed periodically by the senior leadership team (President, Vice Presidents and Cabinet). Questions or concerns about this policy should be referred to the President’s office.

For other policies related to marketing and speakers, see the following:

• Posting
• Peaceful Rallies

 

Appendix A - Risk Assessment Internal Guidelines

When Campus Safety conducts a risk assessment for an external speaker, they must consider several factors including, but not limited to the following:

• Are there any red flags in the speaker's background that could indicate a potential safety risk? Does the proposed external speaker have links to or represent a proscribed terror group or organization?
• Will the event attract a large audience, and if so, what measures are in place to manage crowds and maintain order?
• Are there potential risks associated with crowd behavior, such as protests or disruptions, and how will they be addressed?
• Is there a possibility that the speaker's message could incite controversy, provoke strong reactions, or lead to unrest among audience members?
• How will Campus Safety mitigate any potential conflicts or disturbances that may arise during the event?
• Are there specific security measures that need to be implemented for the event, such as bag checks, metal detectors, or additional security personnel?
• Is there a designated security plan in place to respond to any security threats or emergencies that may occur during the speaker's presentation?
• Are there protocols in place for collaborating with law enforcement in the event of a security incident or emergency?
• Has the speaker presented at other institutions or events, and if so, what was the outcome?
• Are there any concerns or incidents from previous engagements that could inform the risk assessment for the current event?