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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The University at Buffalo has released drafts of its new policies on protests, flyers and encampments on campus ahead of the fall semester, the university announced Thursday.
The new “time, place, and manner policies” drafts come after students took to the University at Buffalo’s North Campus in May to stage pro-Palestinian protests, calling for a ceasefire, divestment from Israel and hostage releases amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
The University at Buffalo has begun a 30-day review and comment period for both the new and revised policies. Drafts have been shared with the university’s policy review group, the Senate, and students representing the Student Association and the Graduate Student Association, UB said in a statement. UBNow Article.
The bill states that posters, such as flyers, advertisements, messages, etc., are only allowed to be posted on “public notice boards.” It also prohibits posters from being posted on doors, windows, trees, lampposts, bus stops, vehicles, walls, and elevators. Chalk writing on buildings, sidewalks, and roads is also not allowed.
UB said students who want to post on bulletin boards for specific departments, offices or organizations must get permission from that group. UB will have the authority to remove posts if the rules are not followed.
Students caught in the middle of the protest at the University of North Buffalo speak out
Under the draft “assembly” policy, protests may not interfere with building entrances, the privacy of university residences or offices, or pedestrian and vehicular traffic, according to the University at Buffalo. Outdoor gatherings in public spaces are allowed, but protests may not disrupt classes, events or meetings, according to the draft policy.
The use of “sound amplification equipment” during protests is also prohibited.
The bill removed language regarding specific time limits on “gatherings or demonstrations,” the bar association said.
As with the previous policy, camping or any type of camping is still “strictly prohibited,” except in residence halls and apartments, according to the project.
The university added that it “must remain neutral about viewpoints,” even if those views conflict with its own.
Police arrest 15 people during a protest at the University of North Pennsylvania
In addition to draft protest policies, UB is discussing developing a new policy regarding the use of outside law enforcement agencies. UB said it will also share and review a draft policy with the policy group and the university community.
The University at Buffalo said the draft policy is open to additional revisions that may be proposed at the end of the comment and review period.
The University encourages the community to provide feedback during the 30-day comment period. For more information on the new policies, click here.
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Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo. See more of her work here.
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