A campus facilities use policy is essential to the orderly and effective operation of a college or university.  Such policies regulate what campus facilities may be used for what purposes, by whom, when, and under what conditions.  In addition to shielding the institution from damage and liability, the best policies embody a considered balance between the need to protect against disruption of teaching, education and research and the not always converging need to foster free inquiry, robust debate and the open exchange of new, conflicting and often controversial ideas.  Facilities use policies often become the legal framework for analyzing and resolving hotly disputed political and cultural issues, as various groups or constituencies seek to secure or prohibit access to facilities, or interfere with access provided to other groups.

This program will examine the key elements of campus facilities use policies, with special focus on provisions that may come into play when speech or expressive conduct is being regulated.  Issues related to controversial campus speakers or events will be addressed, followed by discussion of case studies illustrating difficult issues that can arise under facilities use policies.  The program will include opportunities for questions and answers.

Join our experienced panelists for an in-depth look at how to draft facilities use policies and how to handle the free speech issues that arise from them.