Following months of discussion and productive collaboration between university senators and Emory administrators, Emory announced something new today Open Expression Policy This protects the rights of community members to express, assemblies and peaceful demonstrations, provides content neutral restrictions to focus on Emory’s academic mission and prioritize campus safety.
Based on the Free Speech and Congressional Principles established by the First Amendment, the new policy details how Emory balances open expression and allows universities to fulfill their teaching, research and healthcare missions. It is important to note that the new policy firmly establishes a content-neutral approach to its application and enforcement, and that all members of the Emory community (i.e. faculty, staff, students), as well as visitors and guests, have the same rights and responsibilities under the policy. The new policy provides examples of unprotected expressions, such as threats and speeches that violate the law. It also outlines expression restrictions related to time, place and manners, and provides the reasons behind these restrictions.
“This new, open policy of expression has benefited deeply from the perspective of university management, not just from all the stakeholders in the Senate,” says University Senator George Shepherd. “Working together, we are proud to have created the country’s best balanced and open policy of expression.”
“This is a very important policy for the university and we are pleased to be able to develop it by working closely with Professor Sheppard and the university senators,” says Emory President Gregory L. Fembes. “Together, we have created policies that protect the expression of our members of the Emory community and support the Emory mission in a campus environment that is safe for everyone. Our collaboration demonstrates the value of shared governance.”
Efforts to rethink open expression policies began during the spring 2024 semester when university senators announced they would form a committee that would bring recommendations to leadership. The university senators gathered a subcommittee that included representatives from all Emory stakeholder groups, including staff, students, alumni and faculty. The group developed sophisticated proposals through weeks of collaborative discussions between Senate representatives and the administration. During this process, Emory implemented a policy addendum to codify the long-standing process that leaders have consistently implemented for several years. As the discussion continued, the addendum was incorporated into the new policy. Earlier this month, the University Senate overwhelmingly voted to approve the final policy that emerged from the debate.
The new policy clarifies the role of the university Senate Open Expression Committee and the right to share opinions on issues related to open expression. The policy also details important obligations Open Expression Observers – Trained staff and faculty volunteers to participate in demonstrations and other events to support the policy and protect the rights of community members. During the event, they will work with organizers to make necessary modifications to promote open speech, conveying restrictions stated in the policy. Community members may require observers to participate in events and may appoint campus life to exist as well.
Policy Appendix provides clarity
The new policy includes an appendix that outlines restrictions related to time, location and manners. All members of the Emory community are expected to comply with these regulations if they are engaged in open expression activities. Significant liability and limitations are as follows:
- Individuals have the right to share perspectives without substantial interruption. Opponents may express different perspectives, but they cannot disrupt or significantly interfere with someone else’s gatherings or activities.
- Limitations on where and how the representation events opened in Emory Property are performed. Restricted areas include:
- A space where academic classes are held.
- Offices, museums, research labs, computer centers.
- Hospitals, clinics, other facilities or infrastructure essential to the university’s business.
- A place that presents safety risks, including those related to traffic.
- Protests and demonstrations are not permitted from midnight until 7am, but if the expression is not destructive, other expressions are permitted even after midnight in open areas.
- Building occupations and acquisitions are strictly prohibited.
- A restriction on which types of temporary structures are allowed. Certain structures containing tents cannot be constructed and set up in Emory properties.
Furthermore, while some expressive activities are permitted in the settlement, libraries and dining facilities, expression is limited in these spaces due to the fundamental need for students to eat, sleep and study.
Emory is aware that community members will ask questions about the new policy. Open Expression Website It will be updated in the coming weeks to provide additional information, including sections focusing on frequently asked questions.
