Policy
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is committed to freedom of expression and to the exchange of views and ideas that promote collective engagement, mutual understanding, and learning from one another. Participants in events and gatherings must respect the rights of all individuals, even those of community members with differing viewpoints. (To learn more about the university’s framework for expressions of protest and solidarity, click here.)
Student gatherings and public demonstrations are permitted as long as they do not obstruct or run counter to PLU’s mission or disrespect the rights of others. PLU reserves the right to determine timing, manner, and appropriate areas for events. According to the PLU Student Code of Conduct, any student engaging in disruptive or disorderly conduct or violating university policies is subject to disciplinary action.
Disruptive conduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Interfering with PLU operations, activities, and/or events, including the rights and activities of other students, faculty, staff, and/or guests.
- Interrupting a person’s speech or presentation by heckling or inappropriate outbursts.
- Interfering with audience members’ ability to see or hear a speaker.
- Preventing or impeding access to or egress from offices, meeting rooms, buildings, or other PLU properties.
- Failing to comply with the directions of recognized or designated PLU personnel and/or local and state officials, including directions to leave a facility or area.
- Creating the threat of physical harm to individuals or damage to PLU property, or intruding on the personal space of other students, faculty, staff, and/or guests.
- Exceeding the capacity limits for buildings or outdoor spaces as determined by PLU.
- Generating excessive noise levels and/or disrupting PLU operations and activities, including the rights and activities of other students, faculty, staff, and/or guests.
Non-members of the PLU community may be asked to leave campus if their conduct disrupts university activities.
Gathering organizers are responsible for monitoring participant behavior and ensuring adherence to expected standards. If disruptive behavior persists despite warnings, the gathering may be required to end.
Counter-gathering
If a student or student group would like to create a counter-gathering, they must also adhere to the same procedures and policies as outlined herein, including meeting with a Campus Life Associate Director before the event.
Procedures
In order to maintain safety on campus and to allow for necessary planning and preparation, a student or student group planning a public gathering to learn in community on the PLU campus should plan to follow these outlined procedures:
- Email Campus Life at engage@plu.edu to initiate the process. Campus Life will connect you with the Associate Director for Campus Life Engagement, or designee, who will assist you throughout the planning process.
- Provide a brief description of the gathering’s purpose and preferred location on campus.
- Schedule a meeting with the Associate Director for Campus Life Engagement, or designee, to discuss the event and complete the EMS form together. Please note: If a registered student club is hosting the experience, the Club Advisor should attend the meeting.
- Hold the event (at least three business days after meeting with the Associate Director).