Student Leadership & Engagement

Campus Demonstrations

The University recognizes the rights of students, faculty, administrators, and staff to demonstrate peacefully. The University will do all in its power to protect those rights.

Through its policy on Academic Freedom for Hofstra students, the University recognizes that in their pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking and understanding, students should be free to enjoy open-minded inquiry both inside and outside the classroom. Hand in hand with this freedom comes the obligation of all members of the University community to act in a manner that is orderly, peaceful and non-disruptive to the regular activities of the University.

These policies are designed to ensure that demonstrations can be conducted in a way that respects the rights of all community members while maintaining the university's primary function as an educational institution.

Responsibilities and Expectations | Policy | FAQ

Responsibilities and Expectations of Community Members

For more information regarding regulations pertaining to demonstrations, please see the Campus Demonstration Policy.

Below are some of the expectations of students as per the Campus Demonstration Policy:

  • Only registered Hofstra University students and recognized student organizations can organize demonstrations. They must fill out a Campus Demonstration Proposal Form and submit it to the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE) at least five days before the event.
  • Demonstrations must adhere to regulations regarding the use of campus facilities and outdoor spaces. Participants must avoid hindering building entrances or exits, creating excessive noise, disrupting university functions, employing or threatening force or violence, and using prohibited items.
  • Organizers must educate participants about the guidelines and report any disorderly conduct to Public Safety. Students must adhere to the university's code of conduct, and other relevant policies, that includes maintaining non-violence and respecting the rights and safety of others.
  • Compliance with instructions from Public Safety or university officials is mandatory, and failure to comply may result in the demonstration being canceled or dispersed, and participants may be referred to the Office of Community Standards for disciplinary action. Referral for disciplinary action may result in sanction(s) that range from warnings to more severe consequences like suspension or expulsion from the University.

As per Faculty Policy Series #12A:

  • The University recognizes the rights of students, faculty, administrators, and staff to demonstrate peacefully and make known their grievances, requests, and demands. The University will do all in its power to protect those rights.
  • The University -- students, faculty, administration, and staff -- expects all its constituents to exercise the right in a responsible manner, without interfering with or abrogating the rights of others within the University community. Examples of such behavior could include excessive noise, hindering building entrances, or the use of force or violence is prohibited.
  • Faculty involved in demonstrations must adhere to applicable university policies.
  • If faculty are involved in organizing demonstrations, they should ensure compliance with guidelines provided by Public Safety and other university officials in accord with the University’s policies on harassment and consistent with the preservation of academic freedom.
  • Any employee participation in demonstrations must be outside of their working hours and should not otherwise interfere with their job responsibilities.
  • Employees are often viewed as role models and are expected to demonstrate peaceful and respectful behavior during demonstrations.
  • Employees involved in demonstrations must adhere to applicable university policies.
  • Non-Hofstra community members may not participate in campus demonstrations.

Links to related policies and procedures:

Links to on-campus resources:

This policy sets forth the University procedures that govern student demonstrations. Through its policy on academic freedom for Hofstra students, the University recognizes that in their pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and understanding, students should be free to enjoy open-minded inquiry both inside and outside the classroom. Hand in hand with this freedom comes the obligation of all members of the University community to act in a manner that is orderly, peaceful, and nondisruptive to the regular activities of the University.

There may be occasions when students may choose to organize a demonstration on campus to share their views on a topic including but not limited to public awareness events, vigils, processions, etc... Registered Hofstra University students and recognized student organizations may engage in peaceful demonstrations pursuant to this policy. The regulation of time, place, and manner for all campus demonstrations is a legitimate and necessary obligation of the University to ensure that the necessary activities of the University are free from unreasonable disruption.

Therefore, any registered Hofstra University student(s) or student organization that wishes to hold an on-campus demonstration must complete a Campus Demonstration Proposal Form at least five (5) days prior to the proposed demonstration and submit it to the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, Room 244 Mack Student Center. This form can be accessed at hofstra.edu/osleabout. The Office of Student Leadership and Engagement will work in conjunction with the Dean of Students and Department of Public Safety on both the review and approval of the demonstration proposal. Campus demonstrations cannot be advertised until the requester receives an approval notification from the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement. If approved, students must meet with the Executive Director of OSLE and their advisor at least two days prior to the scheduled demonstration (at their discretion). Otherwise, your event will be cancelled. Once you receive approval, please email your advisor to schedule this meeting. Students will then meet with the Dean of Students or designee to review their role as community members.

Registration of a campus demonstration by the University does not imply acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed. Participation is limited to registered Hofstra students and employees only.
  
In planning a demonstration, the organizers and participants must observe regulations pertaining to the use of campus facilities and outdoor spaces as well as the Code of Conduct, policies listed in the Guide to Pride and Faculty Policy Series #12 and #12A. It is a violation of this policy to:

  • Physically hinder entrances to, exits from, or passageways within, or cause damage to, any University building, property, or other structure, or hinder the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic into or on the campus.
  • Create a volume of noise that prevents members of the University community from performing their normal campus activities. Bullhorns are not permitted. Any use of amplified sound must be approved through the Campus Demonstration Proposal Form and at the discretion of the University. If approved, amplified sound will be provided and managed by the University. The use of amplified sound is not permitted on South Campus.
  • Prevent or attempt to prevent the orderly conduct of a University function or activity, such as lectures, meetings, interviews, ceremonies, or public events.
  • Employ force or violence, or constitute an immediate threat of force or violence, against persons or property. Possession or use of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, dangerous chemicals, open flames, candles, torches, poles, sticks or objects that may be deemed harmful and or other similar items as part of a campus demonstration is strictly prohibited.
  • Wearing a facial covering or disguise that obscures any part of the face or prevents recognition.
  • Constructing structures, of any kind, on-campus.
  • Conducting a demonstration at an unapproved location.
  • Conducting a demonstration outside of the approved time period.
  • Otherwise, acting in a way that disrupts the University's regular and essential operations.

In order to facilitate the safe conduct of demonstrations on campus, the University has adopted the provisions set forth below:

  • The University has designated locations for demonstrations to ensure minimal disruption to the operations of the campus community.
    • Hofstra Hall : common hour - Mondays and Wednesdays from 1pm-2:25pm
    • Pride Park: between the hours of 9am- 9pm but no more than 3 hours per request
      Additional considerations may be made on a case by case basis.
  • Demonstrations can be held up until the last day of undergraduate classes but cannot be held on study days or exam periods.
  • All participants must be prepared to show proper identification if prompted by University officials.

The University reserves the right in its discretion to cancel demonstrations in the event of any such violations. In addition, failure to comply with reasonable instructions provided by Public Safety officers or other University officials prior to or during a campus demonstration may result in the demonstration being canceled or dispersed and may subject those involved to student disciplinary proceedings under the Code of Conduct. It is the responsibility of the demonstration organizer to educate participants about this policy and to immediately report any disorderly conduct to Public Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that these are only a sample of frequently asked questions that may be helpful to the Hofstra community. Should there be any conflict between the information below and the Campus Demonstration Policy, please see the Campus Demonstration Policy.

Why do I have to meet with the Dean of Students (DOS) to have a demonstration?

Meeting with the DOS helps us ensure that your demonstration goes smoothly and follows university guidelines. They can help you plan your demonstration in line with our policies and provide guidance on your expectations and responsibilities as a student and member of the Hofstra community. They’re also there to offer support and connect you with other resources on campus.

Do I have to wait a long time for approval?

No. Once you submit your completed form with all the details which may include advertising materials such as social media posts, we’ll review it and get back to you within 2 business days. If approved, you’ll then meet with the Executive Director of Student Leadership and Engagement and your Administrative Advisor to go over the details and expectations. You will then meet with the Dean of Students or designee.

Is my event a program or a demonstration?

Great question! Programs are typically organized by recognized student organizations and may include activities like debates, social gatherings, discussions or tabling events. Additionally, events such as meetings, lectures, and guest speaker presentations can be held in various locations across campus and are not considered campus demonstrations. For more information on planning events, please visit the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement's website. Students at Hofstra University may sometimes decide to organize demonstrations on campus to express their views on various topics. Registered Hofstra University students and recognized student organizations may engage in peaceful demonstrations pursuant to the Campus Demonstration Policy.

Why is Public Safety at my demonstration on campus?

Public Safety is there to ensure everyone’s safety, including those participating in the demonstration. Their role is to help manage the event smoothly and address any potential conflicts, so your demonstration can go as planned. Their presence is meant to support, not hinder, your event. The Department of Public Safety's highest priority is the safety and security of the Hofstra community.

Can our administrative advisor attend the demonstration?

Your Administrative Advisor can absolutely attend to support you, but they won’t act as advocates or representatives. They’re there to offer their support during the demonstration.

Can we have an external guest speaker at our demonstration?

External guest speakers are not permitted at demonstrations.

What information do I need in order to submit the demonstration form?

Be as detailed as you can when filling out the form and answer the questions carefully. The more information the better as this helps us coordinate everything and connect you with the right campus resources who may need to help you (Public Safety, Event Management for microphones and space reservations, etc.).

I know that my demonstration topic is controversial. Does my viewpoint have to be approved?

Not at all. We don’t approve or reject demonstrations based on viewpoint. The approval process is just to ensure that your event is planned and coordinated properly. Registering your demonstration doesn’t mean the university accepts or endorses your views, but it does mean you’re following the guidelines for organizing demonstrations on campus. Although we do not approve or disapprove demonstrations based on the viewpoints they represent, we hold all members of our community to the highest standards of respect and inclusion. Bias and discriminatory harassment will not be tolerated.

Why can't I just step outside and protest if I feel strongly about an issue?

\As members of the Hofstra community, we all share this campus and its many activities. Others may be equally committed to their own events or responsibilities, which could coincide with the time you’ve chosen for your activity. To avoid overlap and disruption, we encourage you to coordinate with the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE). This ensures that while you’re exercising your right to express yourself, others can continue with their plans—whether it’s attending classes, working, or supporting campus operations. By planning ahead and working together, we create a respectful and safe space of expression for everyone and keep the campus running smoothly.

Protests should be disruptive. I feel that the protest and demonstration I am planning should interfere with the activities of others to attract attention. Is this permitted?

If interference with the activities of others or the business of the University is a goal of your demonstration, it's unlikely to be seen as reasonable by the community. Again, others have a right to pursue their goals on campus too. If you proceed without approval, you should be prepared for the consequences of your decision as you may be referred to the Office of Community Standards for disciplinary action that may result in sanction(s) that range from a warning to suspension or expulsion from the University. Our goal is to ensure that everyone’s rights are respected.

Will I get in trouble for not following the Campus Demonstration Policy?

This policy was created to ensure that students who wish to express themselves through demonstrations are able to do so peacefully while ensuring that the campus can continue to operate accordingly. Students who do not follow this policy and or other University policies and the Code of Conduct will be referred to the Office of Community Standards for disciplinary action that may result in sanction(s) ranging from a warning to suspension/expulsion from the University.

Why can’t I cover my face during the demonstration?

Covering your face can make it difficult for us to ensure everyone's safety and to address any issues that arise. It’s important for everyone to be identifiable as members of our community to maintain a safe environment for all participants.

What happens if students attend a faculty-led demonstration?

If a demonstration organized by faculty draws a significant number of students and functions similarly to a student-led event, it will be treated under the same guidelines outlined in the Campus Demonstration Policy in the Guide to Pride. This means it needs to follow the same approval process, and the time, place, and manner requirements as outlined to ensure campus operations are not disrupted.