Purpose

At Bay Path University and Cambridge College, the foundational values that guide our actions are centered on the success and well-being of our learners. In alignment with these values, this policy ensures that all voices within our community are heard, respected, and valued in a manner that is both constructive and impactful. For guidance on this policy, students may contact Student Life at studentlife@baypath.edu. 

General Guidelines

Protests and demonstrations are permitted on campus as long as they are peaceful, and orderly, and do not disrupt the educational mission of the University, including classes, research, administrative functions, or any other university events or business. Guests or other persons not part of the University Community are not permitted to participate in campus protests or demonstrations.  

Activities that obstruct or interfere with the normal operations of the University, endanger the safety of individuals, or result in the destruction of property, or are determined to do so, are not permitted and participants will be subject to disciplinary action.

Registration Requirements

All protests and demonstrations must be registered with Student Life & Engagement at least 2 business days in advance. This process includes identifying the time, location, and nature of the event.

If approved, protests and demonstrations will only be allowed in designated areas of the campus. These areas on the Longmeadow and East Longmeadow Campuses include:

• the Carr Hall side lawn 
• the Ryan Center patio area to the west of the south entrance 
• other areas identified at the time of the event registration, which are open to the public, do not interfere with academic or administrative functions, and do not pose a risk to general safety.

Please consult the campus maps when deciding on a location.

• Longmeadow Campus
• East Longmeadow Campus

Protests and demonstrations are not permitted on the Boston and Puerto Rico Campuses in accordance with the rental agreements entered into with the landlords of these spaces.

Approval of a demonstration or protest does not indicate sponsorship by the University.

Time, Place, & Manner Restrictions

• Protests and demonstrations are limited to reasonable times, between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
• The use of sound amplification devices is prohibited unless approved in writing during the registration process. Amplified sound must not interfere with classroom instruction or other University activities.
• Participants must not block entrances, exits, or pathways, and must allow for the free flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Tents or other similar structures are not permitted.
• Placards, banners, and signs are permitted, provided they do not pose a safety risk or obstruct the view of others or contain defamatory or discriminatory language, or language that incites violence, all as determined by the University. Signs must be handheld or displayed in a manner that does not damage University property.

Responsibilities of Participants

• All participants must carry University-issued identification and present it upon request by a University official. Any garments designed to obscure the identity of a person shall be prohibited, unless worn for religious or required medical purposes.
• Participants must remain peaceful and not engage in any form of harassment, intimidation, or violence. Those who do will be subject to disciplinary action under the University’s conduct policies.
• Any symbolic displays must be consistent with the standards set forth in this policy, approved in writing during the registration process and dismantled immediately after the event.

Enforcement and Compliance

• The University reserves the right to cancel or relocate a protest or demonstration if it is deemed to pose a safety risk, disrupt University operations, or violate the terms of this policy.
• Remaining in buildings or spaces when told to vacate or remaining in spaces after hours specified in the event registration or when they are otherwise closed will not be tolerated.
• The University reserves the right to station University administrators and safety/security personnel in the vicinity of the protest or demonstration site at all times to ensure the safety of all participants.
• Non-compliance with this policy may result in the immediate suspension of the protest or demonstration and referral of participants to the University’s conduct policy.

Counter-Protests

The University acknowledges that protests may invite counter-protests. In such cases, all parties are expected to engage in respectful behavior and abide by the same guidelines outlined in this policy. The University may designate separate areas for counter-protests to ensure the safety and rights of all participants.

Application to External Groups

Demonstrations or protests on University grounds by individuals outside of the University  community are prohibited including as part of an authorized student demonstration or protest.

Review and Amendments

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the University administration to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the campus community and to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

The University reserves the right to amend or rescind this policy without advance notice.

Contact Information:

For questions or to register a protest or demonstration, please contact the Student Life and Engagement department at studentlife@baypath.edu.