Freedom of speech and assembly are among USC’s foundational values. Each year, our campuses accommodate numerous free speech activities and events, including marches, vigils, and other peaceful demonstrations. We recognize and embrace the important role that a diversity of opinions and perspectives can play in advancing the university’s research and educational mission.
Although the Leonard Law extends free speech rights only to students, we recognize that other members of our university community may also wish to engage in certain expressive events on campus in a manner consistent with their terms of employment, the university’s Unifying Values, and other applicable policies, including the university’s Free Speech Policy. It is therefore critical that everyone understand the relevant university policies and rules around organizing or participating in campus demonstrations and related events on our campuses.
USC has established rules on the time, place, and manner of demonstrations and other free speech activities in order to prevent disruption of university operations and to protect the rights of all members of our university community to participate fully in the educational environment and workplace.
A free speech activity or event must not:
- Interfere with or impede university functions, including but not limited to classes, exams, study periods, and other scheduled academic, educational, and cultural/arts programs. Such interference can take many forms, including the use of amplified sound, which is generally prohibited.
- Impede full access by other members of our community to USC’s campuses, buildings and grounds.
- Endanger, threaten or harass persons.
- Damage, destroy, deface, vandalize, or steal property.
- Bring onto campus prohibited items, such as sticks or other potentially dangerous objects that could injure people or property. All such objects are subject to seizure.
- Violate any federal, state, or local safety code (including with respect to building occupancy).
In addition, all members of our community must carry and/or provide upon request appropriate USC identification.
In order to help expressive group activities comply with these rules, the university has developed a registration process that is described in the section Planning Your Event.
