St. John’s University supports the right of all members of the
University community (viz., persons who are students, faculty,
staff or administrators of the University) as individuals or as
organizations to examine, to discuss, and to advocate any issue and
to express any opinion, both publicly and privately, within
constitutionally valid limitations, set by local, state or federal
law. In particular, all substantive issues relating to University
policy are to be considered open to full discussion and debate by
the University community, whether through open forum or some other
procedure. Members of the University community, whether individuals
or campus organizations, are free to support causes by orderly
means. A rational and orderly examination of issues whether local,
national, or international is fundamental to the academic process
and is to be encouraged rather than repressed.
To this end members of the University community are permitted to
conduct orderly demonstrations which do not disrupt the educational
process taking place at the University or interfere with the rights
of any member of the University community.
The broadest possible exercise of freedom can be carried out
only in conjunction with responsibility. Members of the University
community and all other persons on University property assume the
obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the
University’s function as an educational institution. To this end
the following acts and/or conduct are prohibited:
- Persons who are NOT members of the University community are not
permitted to demonstrate.
- Conducting a demonstration at a time or place other than the
time and place previously approved by the President or his
designee, or in the case of students, the Chief Student Affairs
Officer.
- Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research,
administration, disciplinary procedures, or other University
activities on University owned or controlled property, including
its grounds, campus, buildings, and/or other facilities
(hereinafter collectively referred to as “University
property”).
- Physical abuse of any person on University property or at
University sponsored or supervised functions or conduct which
threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such
person.
- Theft or damage to property of the University or of a member of
the University or campus visitor.
- Unauthorized entry to or use of University property.
- Disorderly conduct or lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or
expression on University property or at University sponsored or
supervised functions.
- Failure to comply with directives of University officials
acting in the performance of their duties.
- Any other violations of civil law and/or University
regulations.
- In addition to the foregoing specific prohibitions, which are
not exclusive, members of the University community and other
persons on the property of the University shall conduct themselves
at all times in a manner which does not disrupt the University
community or infringe upon the rights of others, and faculty and
non-faculty staff shall conduct themselves in a manner not
inconsistent with the duties and responsibilities of their
positions.
The President or his designee is directed to protect the rights
of all members of the University community by maintaining order and
enforcing the provisions referred to above. Violations of any of
the foregoing prohibitions shall be dealt with as follows:
- In the case of any individual who is not a member or the
University community: The authority of such individual to remain on
University property will immediately be revoked; and if the
individual thereafter refuses to leave University property,
necessary and appropriate action will be taken to eject such person
therefrom.
- In the case of a student:
The student shall be requested to cease and desist from
such prohibited conduct and, if he/she fails to do so, necessary
and appropriate action will be taken to eject such student from the
University property. In addition, disciplinary proceedings shall be
commenced against such student pursuant to Article 6.8 of the 1960
Statutes of the University and any amendments or procedures
relating thereto ... . In accordance with these provisions, the
penalties of suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate discipline
may be invoked against the student. - In the case of a faculty member:
The faculty member shall be requested to cease and desist from such
prohibited conduct; and if he/she fails to do so, necessary and
appropriate action will be taken to eject such faculty member from
the University property. In addition, charges shall be brought
against such faculty member in accordance with the procedures set
forth in Articles 35-40 of the 1960 Statutes of the University, as
amended. In accordance with those provisions, the penalties of
suspension, removal from the faculty or other appropriate
discipline may be invoked against the faculty member. - In the case of a non-faculty staff member or
administrator:
The staff member or administrator shall be requested to cease and
desist from such prohibited conduct; and if he/she fails to do so,
necessary and appropriate action will be taken to eject such staff
member from University property. In addition:
a) In the case of a non-academic professional staff member or
administrator, disciplinary action shall be taken against such
staff member or administrator by the President or his designee
subject to review by the Board of Trustees or a committee
thereof;
b) In the case of any other staff member, disciplinary action shall
be taken against such staff member by appropriate representatives
of the University, subject to the grievance procedures set forth on
pages 9 and 10 of the Handbook for Staff Personnel.
As a result of such disciplinary action, any staff member or
administrator may be suspended, discharged or otherwise
disciplined.
In addition to the foregoing, the University reaffirms all of
its rights to utilize and seek the aid of public authorities and
such judicial, civil and criminal process and proceedings as may,
in the discretion of the University, be necessary or
appropriate.