Free Expression and Peaceable Assembly Guidance
When Yale or its community members host speakers, the speakers are free to express their views, even if their views are unpopular or controversial. Freedom of expression also includes the freedom to dissent. Peaceful dissent does not include disrupting 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.
Protesting or expressing disagreement with a speaker is subject to three general conditions:
- Access to or exit from an event or facility may not be blocked.
- The event and the regular or essential operations of the university may not be disrupted.
- The physical safety of those attending the event and of community members may not be compromised.
The following constitute examples of actions that violate the three general conditions and are therefore not permitted:
- Holding up signs in a manner that obstructs the view of those attempting to watch an event or speaker.
- Speaking from a bullhorn, shouting, or playing amplified music or noise from audio sources in a manner that interferes with speakers’ ability to be heard and with community members’ opportunity to listen or disrupts or interferes with classes or other university activities.
- Standing up in an assembly in a way that obstructs the view of those attempting to watch an event or speaker and/or blocking the aisles or routes of egress.
- Sitting in or otherwise occupying a building or defined space in a way that blocks access or otherwise interferes with university events or operations.
- Trespassing by remaining in buildings or defined spaces when told to leave or remaining in spaces after hours when they are otherwise closed to the Yale community.
Note that university administrators and safety/security personnel may be present at university events and protests to support the safety of all community members, remind those present about university policies, and ensure that events proceed in ways consistent with the university’s policy on free expression.
Violating university policies regarding free expression, peaceable assembly and/or disruption could risk university disciplinary action or arrest.