Free Expression and Peaceable Assembly Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs address common questions regarding peaceable assembly and the exercise of free expression. They will be updated as new questions are received through this submission form or as new guidance emerges. Questions supporting the community’s ability to peaceably assemble and gather will be prioritized for publication on this webpage.

Protesting and Gathering

How does the university support free expression?  

At Yale, we believe that the free exchange of ideas is fundamental to the vibrant intellectual life of our community and foundational to deep academic inquiry. The 1974 Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression at Yale (Woodward Report) represents Yale’s free expression policy.  

Who can help members of the university community understand policies related to peaceable assembly and free expression?

University life staff, free expression facilitators, and Yale security managers are experienced professionals who work collaboratively to manage and support free expression following university policies and guidelines.

Unless a situation is considered volatile, dangerous, or illegal, these university staff will engage in conversation with community members, explain Yale’s policies governing peaceable assembly and free expression and work collaboratively with those gathered to maintain a peaceful environment.

How can members of the university community (students, faculty, and staff) express themselves through protests or gatherings on campus?  

The university supports free expression on campus, including by permitting peaceful vigils, rallies, protests, and counterprotests that adhere to university policy by following time, place, and manner restrictions.  

Participants are encouraged to review university guidance regarding free expression and peaceable assembly. If you are organizing a gathering and have questions about university policies and guidelines or wish to understand what university resources could support your event, you can contact secretary.office@yale.edu.  

Participants in protests or gatherings may consider preparing a plan that includes a list of items to bring, necessary medical supplies, and information about routes to and from the event.
 
For more information, visit Preparing for a Public Demonstration or March.

What additional resources are available to international students and scholars?

The Office of International Students and Scholars provides helpful information about free expression and peaceable assembly.

If I disagree with an invited speaker and want to protest, how might I do so?  

Any university community member can peacefully protest and express disagreement. When Yale or its members host speakers, they are free to express their views, even if their views are unpopular or controversial. The right of free expression also includes the right to peaceful dissent. Peaceful dissent does not include the right to disrupt an event. Dissenting members of the community may peacefully protest and express disagreement, but they may not interfere with a speaker’s ability to speak or attendees’ ability to attend and listen. Additionally, peaceful dissenters may not interfere with classes or other university activities or operations. Keep in mind that invited speakers do not represent the university’s views. The Woodward Report (“Of Ways and Means,” second paragraph, 1-6) addresses how people may protest speakers with whom they disagree.  

For additional questions, contact secretary.office@yale.edu. You are also welcome to connect with event organizers and/or administrators at the event who can advise you on how to protest within the guidelines.

Are signs permitted at outdoor events?  

In the case of events such as football games or commencement, the university provides guidance on permitted sign size to avoid obstruction while allowing for free expression. For example, at football games, posters on any subject that can be held by one person and are not held in a way that obstructs the view of others around them are allowed. Large banners held by multiple individuals are not allowed. Nine-by-twelve handheld signs are allowed at commencement.  
 
If handheld signs obstruct the view of others or are larger than allowed, a university administrator, Yale Security officer, or free expression facilitator will ask that the posters be lowered or put away, and posters may be confiscated. Yale Police are not involved in these types of interactions unless a law is broken or violence occurs, but individuals may be subject to disciplinary action if they don’t comply.   

Free Expression and Peaceable Assembly Guidance states that I cannot occupy a building or a defined space. What is a “defined space”?

A defined space is a space that is either commonly known (e.g., Beinecke Plaza, Cross Campus, Old Campus) or explicitly identified to protesters when they are asked to leave (e.g., “You must move out of this stairwell and off this staircase.”).

Use of Outdoor Spaces

How does a member of the university community request permission to use a Yale outdoor space?  

Visit Use of Outdoor Spaces for information about how students, faculty, and staff can request permission to use an outdoor space, including factors used to evaluate a request, rules for using university outdoor space, and contact information. 

What are the consequences of violating outdoor space rules?

Yale reserves the discretion to disperse, without advance notice, an event involving an unregistered group or gatherings that violate university policies. Additionally, disciplinary action and/or charges or fines may be imposed or assessed for violations. Any statutory, criminal, or code violations (e.g. fire code violations) will be handled by the Yale Police or appropriate authority.

School Disciplinary Procedures

Where can students find information about the disciplinary procedures for their school?

Each school at Yale, including Yale College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the professional schools, has a student code of conduct that governs disciplinary action within the school. Visit School Disciplinary Procedures for specific information about your school’s disciplinary procedures. Contact your dean’s office with specific questions.

In addition to School Disciplinary Procedures, Yale’s University Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment (9000) prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. These forms of conduct undermine Yale’s mission and its commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging.

If an individual has concerns regarding protected characteristic discrimination, harassment or related retaliation, they may contact equity@yale.edu or submit a report to the Office of Institutional Equity and Access.

Where can I find data and information about reports of discrimination and harassment at Yale?

The Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA) recently launched a data dashboard to share information about reports of discrimination and harassment. The dashboard provides reporting data in several categories together with notes and definitions.

What are the consequences of violating university policies on free expression and protest?

Violating university policies regarding free expression, peaceable assembly, and/or disruption could risk school disciplinary action. When violations have criminal implications, they may also result in an arrest. If an individual is arrested, their school will receive a disciplinary referral and may conduct a disciplinary hearing. For more information on arrest protocols and related details, visit Yale Public Safety FAQs.

Faculty and Staff Guidance

What should a faculty member or instructor do if a disturbance or protest occurs while teaching?

If a faculty member or instructor experiences a disturbance or protest while teaching, they should first assess the physical safety of their students and themselves. If the situation is physically unsafe, they should immediately call 911 and if possible, move students to a safe location.  
 
In a situation assessed as physically safe but disruptive, faculty and instructors may call Yale Security 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 203-785-5555 to request that a free expression facilitator and security manager respond. Faculty and instructors may choose to continue teaching, relocate, or end and dismiss class.  
 
Faculty and instructors can refer to Free Expression and Peaceable Assembly Guidance for additional information and resources.  

What should a faculty member or instructor do if they anticipate a disturbance or protest may occur while teaching?

Faculty and instructors can request support to prepare for anticipated disruption by contacting university.life@yale.edu for assistance. In some cases, particularly if a guest speaker is planned, a free expression facilitator and/or other personnel may be assigned to provide on-site support.  
 
Faculty and instructors can refer to Free Expression and Peaceable Assembly Guidance for additional information and resources.  

What should event planners know about free expression and peaceable assembly if planning an event on campus? 

Free Expression and Peaceable Assembly Guidance is a good resource for university event planners. For larger events, events with high profile guests or speakers, or events for which disruption or protest may be anticipated, planners can reach out to university.life@yale.edu to discuss available resources.

Arrest Protocols

Where can I find information on Yale Police Department arrest protocols and related details?  

For information about Yale Police Department (YPD) arrest protocols and related details, visit Yale Public Safety FAQs.