Brigham Young University seeks to provide a university education in an atmosphere that nurtures spiritual growth and strong testimonies of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Part of that university education includes intellectually enlarging experiences that promote civility in the exchange of ideas and that encourage civic engagement.

Demonstration means an event that occurs on University Property that is not sponsored by the university or any university unit in which two or more people gather to raise awareness about, or express a viewpoint on, an issue or cause. Demonstrations include, but are not limited to, events such as assemblies, memorials, protests, leafletting, signature gathering, rallies, and sit-ins. Demonstrations also include counterdemonstrations.

University Property means all real property, buildings, and facilities owned or controlled by the university.

Although University Property is not a public forum, the university permits responsible and safe Demonstrations by current BYU students, faculty, and staff consistent with BYU’s faith-based mission, intellectual environment, and the content and procedural requirements described in this policy.

This policy does not apply to non-University Property, including public sidewalks and parks adjacent to campus. For activities outside of University Property, demonstrators should consult with local authorities about applicable regulations.

This policy does not apply to the on-campus activities of official representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are performing their ecclesiastical responsibilities.

Only an individual who is a current BYU student, faculty member, or staff may sponsor a Demonstration.

Campus units (including colleges and departments) and student clubs and associations (see Clubs and Associations Policy) may not sponsor, support with university resources, or promote Demonstrations, but they may sponsor campus events (see Speakers and Events Policy).

A current BYU student, faculty member, or staff who wishes to sponsor a Demonstration must (1) submit an Application to Demonstrate (Application) to the Dean of Students Office at least five business days in advance and no more than 60 days in advance of a proposed Demonstration and (2) respond to requests for additional information in a timely manner. In its sole discretion, the Dean of Students Office may reduce the five-day requirement. The Dean of Students Office acknowledges receipt of an Application within three business days.

Off-campus individuals, groups, and organizations may not directly or indirectly submit or arrange for the submission of an Application to represent their interests or causes. Similarly, individuals who are current BYU students, faculty, or staff may not directly or indirectly arrange for someone else at BYU to submit an Application to represent their interests or causes.

The dean of students, the managing director of BYU Police and BYU Security, the vice president of belonging, the assistant to the president and general counsel, and the academic vice president, or their designees, consider the content, time, place, and manner of the proposed Demonstration and, in their sole discretion, approve, conditionally approve, or deny an Application prior to the proposed Demonstration date. If an Application is conditionally approved, the dean of students and applicant work together in an attempt to resolve outstanding concerns before the Application can be approved.

Sponsors are subject to a Demonstration Approval Agreement that sets specific requirements for the Demonstration and incorporates the standards described in this and other university policies. Sponsors are responsible for overseeing that all phases of the Demonstration—planning, promotion, staging, clean-up, etc.—comply with the Demonstration Approval Agreement. Any noncompliance with the Demonstration Approval Agreement may result in the revocation at any time of an approved Application and cancellation of a Demonstration. Noncompliant applicants and organizers may be ineligible to submit a future Application.

Demonstrations that do not have an approved Application on file with the Dean of Students Office are prohibited, and demonstrators in attendance are asked to move to public areas off University Property.

Current BYU students, faculty, and staff who participate in a Demonstration do so in an individual capacity and not in an official capacity. Individuals who are not current BYU students, faculty, or staff may not organize or participate in Demonstrations. Demonstrators may be required to verify their eligibility to participate.

Demonstrations must not seriously and adversely affect the university mission or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Examples of Demonstrations that are not approved include those that

• contradict or oppose, rather than analyze or discuss, fundamental Church doctrine or policy;
• deliberately attack or deride the Church or its general leaders; or
• violate the Church Educational System Honor Code because the expression is dishonest, illegal, unchaste, profane, or unduly disrespectful of others.

Partisan political Demonstrations must comply with the university’s Political Neutrality Policy.

To maintain an environment conducive to learning, to protect the safety of the campus community and visitors, and to preserve University Property, Demonstrations must not

• prevent or disrupt university functions or activities, such as classes, lectures, meetings, ceremonies, performances, other events, or the conduct of university business on University Property
• obstruct the legitimate movement of any person or vehicle on University Property or access to any university building
• be within 100 feet of another Demonstration
• be violent or harassing
• threaten individual or public health or safety
• deface or damage University Property or personal property in a manner that requires efforts to return the property to its previous condition
• move through campus (e.g., parades or marches)
• leave items on University Property
• involve burning objects or combustible substances
• involve the construction or placement of structures
• use sound amplification equipment
• involve animals other than service animals as defined in the Animals on University Property Policy

Additionally, Demonstrations are prohibited

• within university buildings or facilities, including within outdoor athletic facilities;
• near places where minors and other vulnerable populations are present, including the Child and Family Studies Laboratory preschool, summer youth camps, and the Student Health Center;
• in connection with university-sponsored events in campus buildings and locations; and
• on university-owned portions of Y Mountain, including the trail and the “Y” symbol.

Applications for Demonstrations in these areas are denied.

The university may monitor and record Demonstrations for compliance with this and other university policies. Current BYU students, faculty, and staff who violate this policy may be subject to the university’s disciplinary processes. Those who violate federal or state laws or local ordinances may be subject to arrest.

After being directed to leave by authorized university personnel or law enforcement, current BYU students, faculty, and staff participating in an unapproved Demonstration who do not immediately depart may be subject to the university’s disciplinary processes and arrest for trespassing. After being directed to leave by authorized university personnel or law enforcement, individuals who are not currently enrolled at or employed by the university and who participate in a Demonstration may be banned from University Property or subject to arrest for trespassing.