Brigham Young University seeks to provide a university education in an atmosphere that nurtures spiritual growth and a strong testimony 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 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, marches, memorials, parades, picketing, protests, leafletting, signature gathering, rallies, and sit-ins. Demonstrations also include counterdemonstrations.

University Property means property owned by the university, including all buildings and facilities.

Although University Property is not a public forum, the university permits responsible and safe Demonstrations by current students, faculty, administrative employees, 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.

Current students, faculty, administrative employees, and staff who wish to hold a Demonstration must (1) submit an Application to Demonstrate (Application) to the Dean of Students Office at least five business 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 will generally respond to an Application within three business days of receipt.

The dean of students, the managing director of BYU Police and BYU Security, the vice president of belonging, and the academic vice president, or their designees, will consider the content, time, place, and manner of the proposed Demonstration and, in their sole discretion, approve, conditionally approve, or deny an Application.

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

Individuals who are not current students, faculty, administrative employees, or staff may not engage in Demonstrations. Demonstrators may be required to verify their status.

Demonstrations must not seriously and adversely affect the university mission or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Examples of Demonstrations that will not be 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
• 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 Campus 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 will be denied.

The university may monitor and record Demonstrations for compliance with this and other university policies. Current students, faculty, administrative employees, 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 students, faculty, administrative employees, and staff participating in unapproved Demonstrations 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 Demonstrations may be banned from University Property or subject to arrest for trespassing.