Northeastern’s Policy on Demonstration

No organization shall hold, cause or permit to be held a demonstration on University property or in connection with a University event unless all necessary reservations of space and permissions from the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) have been obtained prior to the demonstration. Such requests for reservations and permissions shall be considered by the Center for Student Involvement consistent with this policy, as well as procedures generally applicable to the planning of University and on-campus events. Only University faculty, staff and students are permitted to apply for and/or participate in a demonstration.

Any student organization seeking to demonstrate on University property or in connection with a University event must comply with this policy, as well as the procedures contained in this guide.

Student organizations must formally reserve a space through CSC Reservations prior to your event. Once your space has been confirmed, you must apply for a demonstration permit on Engage, using your reservation information (date, time, location, etc.) at least 7 calendar days prior to the desired date your organization intends to demonstrate on campus property. If your Demonstration Permit Application is approved, the hosting organization’s day-of point of contact for the demonstration MUST have a copy of the approved permit on site throughout the duration of the demonstration. Failure to produce a copy of the approved permit when requested by a University official may result in the immediate cancellation of the demonstration,  removal from the site, and/or disciplinary action.

Demonstrations must be conducted peacefully, orderly, and consistent with university policies, codes of conduct, and applicable laws. The following specific requirements apply to all demonstrations:

• Demonstrations must not block building corridors, entrances, exits or other egresses, or otherwise disrupt university business or operations.
• Demonstrations must not be conducted in faculty or administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, or study areas. Demonstrations can otherwise only take place in spaces that are available and approved through official university space registration processes.
• Vandalism or projecting or affixing any images on university buildings is prohibited.
• Camping and overnight demonstrations are not allowed.
• Students, faculty and staff may not erect structures, barriers, or walls, temporary or otherwise, on university property related or connected in any way to a demonstration.
• Third parties are not permitted to participate in demonstrations on university property, even if invited to do so by a current Northeastern student, faculty, or staff member. Such persons may be considered trespassers.

Items of Note:

NUPD may be required to attend the demonstration.

Ticketing maybe required depending on the location.

All those participating at any level must have their Northeastern Identification on them. This is to ensure the safety and security of members of the university community who participate in demonstrations.

The university may take action, including requiring the immediate cessation of a demonstration if, in the university’s discretion, a demonstration at any time fails to comply with this policy or other applicable university policies, processes, procedures, or laws, and/or directions or instructions by university administration or an authorized representative of the university administration regarding safety or security.  Examples may include but are not limited to directions to show university identification or to disperse. Violators of this policy may be subject to action consistent with university policy and procedures, including disciplinary action.

Fill out the Demonstration Permit Application form at least 7 days before your organization intends to demonstrate on campus property. You must have confirmation of the space reservation and upload the confirmation as part of the application process. This form can be found on the Engage forms portal labeled “Demonstration Permit Application.” You will be asked to enter your Northeastern credentials for access.

All questions related to the application for, or conduct of, a demonstration on University property or in connection with a University event may be directed to the Center for Student Involvement, nucsi@northeastern.edu.

You can also book a meeting with a Program Manager from the Center for Student Involvement with questions related to your student organization resources and programming. Booking link here