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About Illinois Wesleyan

Peaceful Rally/Demonstration Guidelines

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 rallies 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 the university's primary functions of
teaching, learning, and research. As such, the University expects that any peaceful rally will be
supported with thoughtful engagement and civility.

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.

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.

Approval:

  • Notice: The Dean of Students Office must be informed about plans for a rally with a
    minimum of 72 hours notice. The sponsor should be responsive to the Dean of Students
    Office regarding any rally-specific questions.
  • Sponsor: The rally must be sponsored by an approved IWU RSO, department, enrolled
    students, faculty or staff.
  • Event: An agreeable time, location, and date should be determined and reserved through 25Live. The space and time should not interfere with the usual operations of the university. Limits may exist on event resources (microphones, stage, etc) if last minute requests (i.e. less than 48 hours) are made. Rallies are permitted outside buildings, with fixed amplification/microphones, for up to two hours, unless otherwise approved. Megaphones are not permitted while marching.
  • Safety: Collaborate with Campus Safety to implement appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of all participants. If non-IWU participants are involved in the planning process or targeted for participation, more planning time must be allocated to ensure the safety of participants.

Planning and promotion:

  • Student organizers should create an agenda and order of operations for the
    demonstration/rally.
  • If publicizing the event, please ensure information is accurate, clear, and respectful in
    support of the rally. The sponsoring organization or individuals should be prominently
    displayed and should not be characterized as “IWU”.

Counter-rally

  • Titans considering a counter-rally should follow the same guidance for peaceful rally.
    Counter-participants must practice civility, create physical separation between
    themselves and the other group, and may not disrupt the original protest. If a
    counter-rally is planned, please notify the Dean of Students office and work with Campus
    Safety regarding safety.

Review. This is an institutional policy facilitated by the Dean of Students 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 Dean of Students office.

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