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
the provisions of the Student Handbook. 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 the 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 procedures in 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.
Approved by the University Senate, May
23, 1969
Adopted by Board of Trustees, June 4, 1969
Filed with the New York State Department of Education, July
1969