Tulane Home Tulane Shield logo linking to site home page
Home / What We Do / Event Services / Policies & Protocol / Demonstration Guidelines

Demonstration Guidelines

Tulane University Demonstration Guidelines

Revised March 2017

To view the Tulane University Demonstration Policy, click here.

Philosophy

Tulane University’s purpose is to create, communicate and conserve knowledge in order to enrich the capacity of individuals, organizations and communities to think, to learn and to act and lead with integrity and wisdom. Congruent with that purpose, Tulane recognizes the critically important historical and current role civil disobedience serves in evolving our democracy. Therefore, we are committed to an environment in which a variety of ideas can be freely expressed and critically examined. The university expects that the expression of views be made with respect for the dignity and freedom of others.

Demonstration Registration

Demonstrations must be registered at least two business days prior to the proposed demonstration date via the Demonstration Registration form on WaveSync. It is recommended that demonstration organizers register the demonstration as early as possible if it is anticipated that significant preparations may have to be made in advance of the demonstration. Following submission of the Demonstration Registration form, the demonstration organizer(s) may be contacted by the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Campus Life or their designee to schedule a meeting to review demonstration details, needs, and guidelines and to finalize approval for the demonstration. The AVP for Campus Life or their designee reserve the right to adjust the date of the demonstration if needed. Any changes to the demonstration activities listed in the Demonstration Registration form must be communicated to the AVP for Campus Life or their designee immediately, but no later than 12 hours in advance, with details of the changes. Any plans or materials not included may not be approved and could impact the demonstration.

Demonstration Guidelines

The Demonstration Guidelines are intended to protect the rights of those involved in the demonstration, others in the University community, and the University from disruption to teaching, research, administrative procedures, or other University activities.

  • Demonstrations may be organized by Tulane students and/or Tulane Recognized Student Organizations only. Demonstrations may not be organized by off-campus persons or organizations.
  • Recognized Student Organizations and/or students may not reserve a facility on behalf of or for use by an outside/unaffiliated group, organization, or individual. This conduct constitutes “fronting” and is prohibited. Demonstration organizers may include a community partner in their demonstration, but this must be noted in the Demonstration Registration Form. University employees or students who engage in fronting may be subject to disciplinary action.
  • Demonstrations can take place on campus in the following areas, permitting the activities do not interfere with a current reservation:
    • McAlister Auditorium Plaza
    • LBC Pocket Park
    • Academic Quad
  • Demonstrations may include a march on campus or within the TUPD perimeter patrol. The march route must be continuous and may not stop along the route for demonstration activities unless it is in one of the designated areas listed above.
    • Marches utilizing city streets must be registered at least 3 weeks in advance, held within the TUPD perimeter patrol, and require a City of New Orleans Special Event Permit Application and Supplement C Form. NOPD parade fees are determined and agreed upon prior to the event taking place by the City of New Orleans. All costs will be based on one (1) additional hour booked at the time of application. Marches going past the allotted time may be charged additional fees. Any cancellation must be done a minimum of two (2) hours prior to the event. Less than two (2) hour notification will cause forfeiture of all police fees for that date. The demonstration organizer is responsible for all NOPD parade fees. NOPD parade fees and policies are subject to change. Demonstration organizers should consult the City of New Orleans Special Event Permit information for the latest information.
  • Demonstration organizers may use amplified sound during the allowable times as listed in the University’s Amplified Sound Policy. Amplified sound includes, but is not limited to, microphones and bullhorns. This includes the following days/times:
    • Monday-Friday: 11:00am-2:00pm (Pocket Park only)
    • Monday-Friday: 5:00-10:00pm
    • Saturday: 12:00-10:00pm
    • Sunday 12:00-7:00pm
  • Demonstration organizers and/or participants may not attempt to coerce, intimidate, or harass any other person into viewing, listening to, or accepting a copy of any communication.
  • Demonstration organizers and/or participants may use placards. The placards must be constructed from poster board or of other similar material. Participants may not use placards constructed from material of a hard substance. Placards may be carried or worn on the person, but not tacked and nailed to trees, light posts, buildings or other structures. Placards may be affixed by tape or string and remain in place for the duration of the demonstration so long as they do not cause damage to University property and are removed and disposed of immediately after the demonstration or protest.
  • Demonstration organizers and/or participants may not obstruct or restrict the free movement of persons including sidewalks and roads; or block hallways, doorways, stairs, or exits from University facilities.
  • Demonstration organizers and/or participants should take reasonable care to reduce damage to University property and to the property of others. This property includes, but is not limited to, vegetation of any type, outdoor sculptures, vehicles, and buildings.
  • At the conclusion of any demonstration, demonstration organizers are expected to make a reasonable effort to return the grounds/area to the condition it was in before the event. This includes properly disposing of all garbage. Any unanticipated and accidental property damage should be reported to the AVP for Campus Life or their designee immediately. Any property damage related to a demonstration (whether peaceful or disruptive) may result in the assessment of fees for cleaning, repairs, and replacement of property to the organization or individuals involved or both.
  • Demonstration organizers and participants must abide by the Code of Student Conduct, all University policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws. They are also expected to follow the instruction of the AVP for Campus Life, their designee, and/or TUPD.
  • The AVP for Campus Life or their designee may determine the point at which a demonstration becomes disruptive. If the situation permits, the AVP for Campus Life or their designee may inform the demonstrators that they must discontinue their disruptive activities, explaining which activities are in violation of the guidelines and may advise them on how to continue their demonstration in a manner which is not disruptive. If the disruption continues, appropriate action may be taken, including, but not limited to, police action. An immediate physical threat to persons and/or property may require immediate police action as well as situations in which the AVP for Campus Life or their designee determines that a warning may not provide adequate protection for persons or property.
  • When demonstrations are scheduled, organizers should expect University personnel, including Student Affairs staff and/or Tulane University Police Department, to be present for all or part of the demonstration. This presence is often necessary to ensure organizers’ own rights are protected and the University’s regular operations and activities are not interrupted. Accordingly, University representatives may film, photograph, or record elements of the demonstration. The presence of University personnel should not be viewed as an effort to deter or otherwise interfere with properly approved demonstrations.
  • Groups organizing a demonstration should be aware that counter-protests may occur to protest or rally for a viewpoint opposed to the viewpoint being advocated by the demonstration. The Division of Student Affairs will work with counter-protestors to be in compliance with all of the above demonstration guidelines. Individuals and organizations participating in counter-protests and rallies must avoid actions that are designed to physically disrupt, damage, or block the demonstration. Failure to register a demonstration according to the above guidelines could result in the cancellation of the event as well as individual disciplinary action.
Event Management