Assembling Policy

The University at Buffalo (UB, university) respects and fully supports the rights of free speech guaranteed by the constitutions of the United States and the State of New York. UB promulgates this policy to provide meaningful opportunities for members of our community to express their views and to ensure that the time, place, and manner of such expression does not disrupt the regular operations of the campus.

As a SUNY institution, UB must allow individuals or groups who are unaffiliated with the university to assemble in public outdoor forums on campus, so long as the assembly does not disrupt public order and regular operations. In addition, in accordance with the responsibilities under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, the university must remain viewpoint neutral even if the viewpoints of the speaker or the content of the speech run counter to UB’s values of diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

The university supports individuals’ rights to assemble. Public assemblies (e.g., protests, picketing) are permitted and must adhere to the following parameters:

• Assembling must not violate the provisions of the SUNY Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order including:
  • No person either singly or in concert with others shall enter into and remain in any campus building or facility for any purpose other than its authorized uses or in such manner as to obstruct its authorized use.
• Assembling must follow campus policy, including:
  • Assembling must be orderly at all times and should in no way jeopardize public order or safety or interfere with the university’s programs.
  • Assembling must not interfere with entrances to buildings or the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
  • Those involved in assembling may not interfere with university programs, classes, university business, or other assemblies.
  • Assembling may not obstruct or physically interfere with the integrity of the classroom, the privacy of the university housing, university offices, campus operations, or the functioning of the campus physical plant.
  • Operation of audio amplifying equipment in a manner that interferes with normal university operations is prohibited.

Violations will be subject to the provisions of the UB Student Code of Conduct, the SUNY Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order, the Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order for UB, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

The State University of New York respects and fully supports the rights of free speech guaranteed by the constitutions of the United States and the State of New York. SUNY values the free expression of ideas and supports individuals’ right to assemble.

UB establishes this policy to provide meaningful opportunities for members of our community to express their views and to ensure that the time, place, and manner of such expression does not interfere with the safety and security of our campus community or disrupt the regular operations of the campus.

This policy applies to:

• All students and employees of the university or university-affiliated organizations (e.g., state, Research Foundation, University at Buffalo Foundation, Campus Dining and Shops, Alumni Association), regardless of the funding source, and individuals and entities with contractual relationships with the university
• Visitors and guests on university premises

Assembling

The gathering of people in or upon university premises including but not limited to meetings, protests, demonstrations, rallies, vigils, marches, and picketing.

Public Order

Maintaining and protecting safety, security, and well-being for all members of the university community, guests, and visitors. 

• Comply with the requirements of this policy.