Student Code of Conduct Guidelines for Student Activism
The University of Miami recognizes that peaceful and orderly demonstration is considered to be one of the many legitimate avenues for the free expression of ideas. In our support of student activism, the Dean of Students Office has provided some additional guidance to ensure that students stay safe and in good standing as they exercise their rights to free speech and free expression. Complete policies for our standards of conduct can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. It is also important to note that the Code of Conduct governs student behavior whether an incident occurs on campus or in any location off campus from the time of admission to the University through the time when a student has permanently severed ties with the University.
Are you planning an on-campus demonstration?
The University defines a demonstration as any public display of support for, or in opposition to, any person, group, organization, cause, institution, idea, or policy. All recognized University organizations and full- or part-time students who wish to schedule a demonstration, rally, protest, or equivalent activity must follow the appropriate steps to get their demonstration registered and supported. To request the required Demonstration Registration Form, please email doso@miami.edu. Full Demonstrations policy.
If you have a question about a policy or wish to learn more about the process for registering your demonstration, rally, or protest, please contact the Dean of Students Office.
Policy Guidelines
Whether you are planning a demonstration, or contemplating participating in one, the guidelines and resources below are intended to help you make the most of your experience.
In support of diversity of thought and the free, respectful exchange of ideas, the University campuses welcome the sharing of ideas and opinions, and the protest and challenge of ideas and opinions. However, the University of Miami reserves the right to use its sole discretion to refuse any request for the use of University space or facilities deemed inconsistent with the values and mission of the University including those events that may cause a disruption or cause danger to the health and safety of others or cause violence. Full Freedom of Expression policy.
Examples of free expression that comply with UM policy:
Examples of expression that violate UM policy:
Related policies: Disorderly Conduct, Harassment or Harm to Others, Noise and Nuisance, Online/Internet Social Networking Usage
The University supports and protects the rights of all students to demonstrate and publicly proclaim their views, however unpopular. Our commitment to free expression also leave open the possibility that students will be presented with views and ideas that conflict with their own. This commitment does not mean, however, that there are no limits upon free expression. Students whose expressions become threatening, aggressive, lewd, or indecent, or those whose views substantially interfere with, or negatively impact the safety of others, can be charged with violating our policy on Disorderly Conduct. Full Disorderly Conduct policy.
Examples of conduct that complies with UM policy:
Examples of conduct that violate UM’s Disorderly Conduct policy:
Related policies: Assault, Freedom of Expression, Harassment or Harm to Others, Noise and Nuisance, Removal of Ejection from a University-Sponsored Event, Requests or Orders, Student Organization Rights and Responsibilities
In support of diversity of thought and the free, respectful exchange of ideas, the University campuses welcome the sharing of ideas and opinions, and the protest and challenge of ideas and opinions. However, the University reserves the right to deem any unwelcomed and/or discriminatory words or acts, whether intentional or a product of the disregard for the safety, rights, or welfare of others as harassment. Harassment involves words or acts that, among other things, demean, degrade, or bully others. Bias incidents, or action, behaviors, or expression against an individual’s or group’s actual or perceived identity are also considered harassment. Full Harassment and Bias-Related Incidents policies. How to report Bias. Examples of action or behavior that violates UM’s Harassment or Bias policies:
Examples of action or behavior that likely result in educational conversations:
Related policies: Bias-Related Incidents, Disorderly Conduct, Freedom of Expression, Online/Internet Social Networking Usage, Retaliation, Student Organization Rights and Responsibilities
Although your demonstration, rally, or protest may be properly registered and supported, your behavior during the demonstration or event should also align with the University’s value for respect for others. Failure to comply with any reasonable request or orders made by University officials, representatives acting on behalf of the University, or by members of law enforcement violates the University’s Requests or Orders policy. Full Requests or Orders policy. Examples of action or behavior that violates UM’s Requests or Orders policy:
Related policies: Removal of Ejection from a University-Sponsored Event, Solicitation, Student Organization Rights and Responsibilities,
Students alleged to have been involved violations of the Code of Conduct will be referred to the Dean of Students Office. Resources for Advocacy and Activism Butler Center for Service and Leadership Office of Civic and Community Engagement Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Miller School of Medicine President Frenk’s Plan to Improve Diversity and Inclusion Rosenstiel School Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Standing Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
External Resources for Advocacy and Activism