Unscheduled Expressive Outdoor Facilities Use

The right to free speech in order to express opinion, and the right to petition and assemble for this purpose, is recognized by the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (Science & Arts). Such expression, petitions, or assemblies must take place in an orderly manner to avoid in any way curtailing the legal operation of the University, interfering with the employees or the University in the normal performance of their assigned duties in a manner that would substantially hinder or prevent them from performing those duties, and/or violating the right of other students to pursue any part of their University life.

Science & Arts embraces the sharing of knowledge and ideas through public discourse and free speech. As part of this community devoted to learning, Science & Arts students, faculty, staff, and visitors are encouraged to engage in respectful dialogue.

Any member of the campus community or the public may use unrestricted generally accessible outdoor areas for non-commercial expressive activities on a first come, first served basis without giving prior notice if:

The activity does not materially and substantially disrupt the function of the University, as defined by state law, including but not limited to the following:
1. engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior;
2. violating state or federal law;
3. committing any act likely to create a health or safety hazard;
4. engaging in destruction of University or personal property or in the physical harm to others;
5. physically blocking or using threats of violence to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity;
6. interfering or impeding the institution’s scheduled classes, events, ceremonies, or normal and essential operations; or,
7. interfering or blocking the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or the entrance or exit of any building.
Use of unscheduled expressive outdoor space may occur when the University is open. All use of unscheduled expressive outdoor space must be held at least 20 feet away from buildings that normally hold classes.
When an unscheduled activity conflicts with an event which was previously scheduled for the same time and space, the unscheduled activity shall be allowed to continue in its existing location until it needs to be relocated to allow for the prior scheduled activity or preparations for it. When relocation is necessary or desired by those engaging in the unscheduled activity, upon request, the appropriate University official will assist in relocating it to a space where the activity can continue or in scheduling it for a different time.
With an unscheduled activity, participants may not use sound amplification equipment or equipment requiring use of electrical power connections. Due to the proximity of offices and classrooms, the University does not permit excessive noise during any event. The sound level should not disturb the occupants of buildings or interfere with normal University activities. Hand-held megaphones may be used after 5pm and must be used so as to direct the sound away from nearby buildings where classes might be held. Sound volumes must be at or below 90dB inside the surrounding buildings.
Signs or banners will be carried or personally attended at all times by at least one participant. Unattended displays may not be used.
Vehicles and heavy equipment may not be used in unscheduled expressive outdoor space.
No items (e.g., signs, equipment, décor, etc.) may be attached in any manner to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, buildings, or permanent signs.
No free-standing structure may be constructed for any event not specifically sponsored by the University. Freestanding removable displays are permitted as long as the display occupies a space of less than 200 cubic feet, has a footprint of not more than 100 square feet, weighs less than 300 pounds, is accompanied at all times by an individual responsible for the display, and is removed in its entirety daily. If a group chooses to secure its display to the ground, it must only be affixed using a water ballast system, no stakes or other affixtures or bases are allowed.
Non-commercial pamphlets, handbills, circulars, newspapers, leaflets, magazines, fliers, and other written materials may be distributed on a person-to-person basis in open areas outside of buildings if done in a way to avoid substantial littering on the campus.
Access to any standing water, fenced areas, the exterior, roof, and sides of campus buildings is prohibited, except by authorized personnel. Rappelling off, climbing on, and the dropping of objects from campus buildings are expressly prohibited.
The following outdoor areas are especially conducive to non-commercial expressive activities because they are located centrally and in high-traffic areas. These areas are located at:
- Te Ata Statue located in front of Troutt Hall
- Flag Plaza located on the Oval
For more information about conducive areas or questions regarding the above time, place, and manner restrictions for unscheduled expressive outdoor space please contact one of the following offices:
- Vice President of Student Success and Human Resources: (405) 574-1225
- Associate Vice President for Student Services and Human Resources: (405) 574-1330