Student Organization Handbook
Non-University Speakers
The following are excerpts from the University policy governing
the appearance of non-University speakers sponsored by student organization(s):
- As an institution of higher learning devoted to the search for truth in
a democratic society, the University is dedicated to the maintenance and expression
of a spirit of free inquiry. For its students, accordingly, it promotes the
development of an atmosphere of open exchange and of conditions conducive
to critical evaluation of divergent points of view.
- The University also recognizes and accepts a responsibility to ensure that
such inquiry is conducted in a manner which furthers the educational objectives
of the institution; namely, the open-minded, objective evaluation and dissemination
of knowledge.
- Student organizations officially registered at the University may therefore
invite speakers to the campus to address their own membership and other interested
students and staff providing suitable space is available and there is no interference
with the regularly scheduled programs of the University. The appearance of
such speakers on campus implies neither approval nor disapproval of them or
their viewpoints by the University. In the case of speakers who are candidates
for political office, equal opportunities shall be available to opposing candidates
if desired by them. Speakers are subject to the normal considerations for
law and order and to the specific limitations imposed by the state constitution.
- In order to ensure an atmosphere of open exchange and to ensure that the
educational objectives of the University are not obscured, the President in
the case attended by extreme emotional feeling may prescribe conditions for
the conduct of the meeting, such as requiring permission for comments and
questions from the floor. Likewise, the President may encourage the appearance
of one or more additional speakers at the meeting so that other points of
view may be expressed.
- The President shall prescribe the length of time and form of notice required
prior to the holding of all meetings to be addressed by outside speakers and
may designate representatives to recommend conditions for the conduct of particular
meetings.
Reference: Executive Order 23 of the President, June 1, 1972
Modified: September 16, 2008 |
