Clarifications to Pre-Notification Policy for Demonstrations

Dear members of the Columbia community:

To safely manage campus activities and public safety resources, the University has long maintained a policy regarding pre-notification for various events on campus. A significant number of events take place in spaces across the University every day, many of which are scheduled well in advance. While the University supports the right of all members of our community to demonstrate and protest consistent with the Rules of University Conduct, it is imperative that demonstrations not infringe on the rights of others to participate in University functions or to engage in counterdemonstrations in an environment that is safe for all members of the community. Pre-notification is important because it allows the University to take appropriate steps to provide logistical support for free expression while ensuring campus safety and normal continuation of University functions.

Consistent with these goals, during identified periods of increased campus activities or when there is a heightened risk of disruption to University functions, the University will require notification, at least two business days in advance, for demonstrations or protests on the dates listed below, during the fall semester.

• October: 6-8, 10, 13, 17, 18, 19
• November: 4, 11, 27, 28
• December: 4-6, 9–11,12–19, 20-31

These dates are subject to change and may be updated by the University, as needed. Any such changes will be communicated in advance and shared on the Office of Rules Administration website. Demonstrations or protests held without pre-notification on these or other dates designated by the University may mean that participants are required to relocate or disperse and failure to do so may result in potential violations of the Rules of University Conduct.

Notifications may be submitted through the Event Notification web form or by email to [email protected]. Valid contact information for organizers must be included.

On all other dates, the University highly encourages all organizers or sponsors of demonstrations, protests, and other similar events, to provide notification through the Event Notification web form or by email to [email protected] no later than at the time of any public announcement of such event (including via email or social media), so that the University may dedicate appropriate resources to logistical support for these activities.

This notice requirement is not intended to prevent or dissuade demonstrations, but simply to organize the time, place, and manner of demonstrations, as is allowed under the Rules of University Conduct, to prevent conflict with registered events, to enable equitable allocation of space and time for counterdemonstrations, and to avoid disruption of academic functions.

This advance planning will help balance everyone’s right to free expression with the University’s responsibility to maintain a campus environment conducive to learning and scholarship. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation on this matter.

Sincerely,

Columbia University Facilities and Operations 

Office of Public Safety

Office of University Life

Office of Rules Administration