Recent campus protests have underscored the University of Chicago’s commitment to uphold an environment of free expression while enforcing policies that prevent serious disruption of academic and administrative work.
The University has a long history of cultivating an environment of free expression on campus, including the freedom to protest. As articulated in the 2015 Chicago Principles, this means the University does not “shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even offensive.” However, the freedom to discuss any idea does not give individuals unlimited license to say or do “whatever they wish, wherever they wish.”
Policies that prevent serious disruption, including disruptive protests, are essential to maintain an environment of freedom for everyone. Occupying a campus building disrupts University operations and imposes a single viewpoint on others, restricting their freedom in turn. University policies protect the right to protest while making it clear that demonstrations cannot jeopardize safety or disrupt the University’s operations and the ability of people in the University to carry out their work.
On November 9, a sit-in demonstration at Rosenwald Hall caused a disruption for seven hours. Protestors refused to leave after the conclusion of the University’s normal business hours at 5:00 p.m. The protestors were warned repeatedly that if they failed to vacate the building after being instructed to leave, they would be in violation of the University’s Building Occupancy Policy, and that their unauthorized presence would subject them to arrest by law enforcement for criminal trespass. They were informed that they were free to go at any time without arrest. After these repeated warnings, University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) officers began arrests at about 6:00 p.m., cited the individuals with criminal trespass, and released them. No force was used.
University leaders have reinforced the rights and responsibilities that are essential for free expression in recent messages, including a November 1 email to the University community from President Paul Alivisatos, and a follow-up message to students from Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University. In his message, President Alivisatos emphasized the vital importance of the right to protest along with the need to observe relevant policies:
Protests and demonstrations are an essential part of our culture of free expression, and within the University are protected as essential venues for truth seeking. History is full of examples where protests have helped to shape new understanding in society, disrupting prior convention. Provided you are complying with the University policies on protest and demonstration, you may join in congress with others in protest and express your views.