Expressive Activities (Procedure #030.A)

This procedure establishes the requirements and institutional processes governing expressive activities conducted on University lands by students, employees, and guests. It establishes the University's approach to responding to expressive activities in a manner consistent with constitutional protections for freedom of expression, while maintaining campus safety, protecting the rights of others to engage in and receive expressive activities, and preserving the continuity of University operations.

Chief of UW–Whitewater Police Department (UWWPD);
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs 

Freedom of expression: The right to engage in speech and expressive activity protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I of the Wisconsin Constitution, subject to applicable constitutional limitations.

Express Activities (Protest/Demonstration): Organized or spontaneous activity intended to communicate viewpoints, opinions, or requests for action.

Disruption: Behavior that materially and substantially interferes with another person’s freedom of expression or the ability of others to receive the expression, as operationalized under the Universities of Wisconsin Regent Policy’ Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression policy (RPD 4.21).

Expressive Activities Decision-Making Team (EADT): Senior campus administrators, including but not limited to Chief and Assistant Chief of Police, Dean of Students, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who convene to evaluate on-going protests/demonstrations and provide direction for response.

University Lands: All real property owned by, leased by, or otherwise subject to the control of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and under the jurisdiction of UW–Whitewater. University lands do not include public roadways that are not owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the Board of Regents, including Starin Road.

1. Guiding Philosophy and Principles
   1. UW–Whitewater values free speech and lawful assembly and will uphold constitutional protections while maintaining safe and orderly operations.
   2. Reasonable, viewpoint-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions may be applied to preserve safety and continuity of operations.
   3. General principles for events:
      1. Scheduled events take precedence over spontaneous activity.     
      2. Sound amplification is generally limited to times when classes are not in session.
      3. Activities that restrict or disturb routine business of the University may be directed to cease.
      4. Activities that cause a Disruption may be directed to cease in accordance with Section B.
2. Disruption of Freedom of Expression (RPD 4-21)
   1. The University will apply the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents’ Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression policy, including sanctions for material and substantial disruption of others’ expressive activity.
   2. Components considered when evaluating disruption:
      1. When—during and near the time of an event.
      2. Where—university-run or university-authorized activities.
      3. How—behaviors that materially and substantially disrupt expression or the ability to receive expression.
   3. Examples
      1. Likely disruptive: blocking entrances; obstructing vision; noise disturbance; weapons/facsimile weapons; amplified sound without permit; violence or threats; signs supported by poles/sticks.
      2. Likely non-disruptive: handheld 8.5"x11" signs; props/costumes that do not block view; engaging a speaker who chooses to engage; words/pictures on clothing.
3. Preparation for Protests or Demonstrations Expressive Activities (see addendum A)
   1. Training: The University shall provide training for staff/administrators on crowd management, mediation, de-escalation, Incident Command System, and related response practices.
   2. Event and Grounds Reservations: It is recommended for individuals seeking to engage in expressive activity on University lands to:
      • Indoor Spaces: Use the James R. Connor University Center reservation process.
      • Outdoor/Green Spaces: Contact UWW PD at 262-472-4660 or police@uww.edu.
   3. Notification and assessment: Any department aware of the desire for expressive activity shall notify UWWPD.
   4. UWWPD shall identify organizers, gather information, assess safety, complexity, and volatility, develop response plans, and coordinate with outside agencies as needed. UWW PD shall provide Addendum A – Checklist to activity organizers.
   5. UWWPD shall notify any departments on campus that may need to provide support or be impacted by the activity.
4. Active Protest Response
   1. Event Notification and Security Review: Student Engagement and/or Reservations staff shall notify relevant campus offices; UWWPD shall conduct safety/security assessments when warranted (e.g., large events, dignitary/renown speakers, political rallies, or other security concerns)
5. After-Action Review
   1. UWWPD shall prepare after-action reports and share any relevant conduct information with appropriate university offices.
   2. Student Affairs may debrief with students/student groups as needed.
   3. EADT determines long-term communications and implements recommendations.

UWW Expressive Activity Check List

UW System Board of Regents: Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression Policy (RPD 4.21).

Wisconsin Administrative Code: UWS 18.11 (Offenses Against Public Peace and Order).

Wisconsin Administrative Code: UWS 17 (Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures).

Wisconsin Administrative Code: UWS 21 (Use of University Facilities).

UW–Whitewater Event Policy.

Connor University Center Reservations Guidance

First approved: September 2025
Revised: September 2026

September 2031

Questions regarding the interpretation of this policy should be directed to:

UW–Whitewater Police Department

Telephone: 262-472-4660

Email: police@uww.edu