Missouri State University is committed to providing an environment where issues can be openly discussed and explored. The freedom to exchange views is essential to the mission of the University. This policy is in place to provide a community environment in which open discussion can occur without disrupting the academic mission or daily University functions, subject to constitutional time, place, and manner limitations and without unconstitutionally interfering with the rights of other members of the University community.

Members of the University Community

All members of the Missouri State University community, which includes students, faculty, and staff, are encouraged to exercise the right of assembly, free speech and expression throughout the campus, when doing so does not disrupt the academic mission or daily University functions. Expressive activities will not be limited to any specific location on the University campus. However, the right of assembly and expression does not include unlawful activity that endangers the safety of the campus community or that destroys University property. Forums, rallies, demonstrations, and other similar expressive activities are also not to occur within academic or other University buildings including University residence halls and apartments, or Greenwood Laboratory School. Expressive activities are not to unduly disrupt traffic, either vehicular or pedestrian or violate other time, place and manner parameters specified in this policy.

The Bear Paw, located in the North Mall, is a location that was constructed for forums, rallies, demonstrations, and other similar limited public forum activities. While members of the University community are not restricted to the Bear Paw for expressive activities, any member of the University community may use the Bear Paw without prior reservation on a first come, first served basis. The Bear Paw may also be reserved through the Conference Services Office (417-836-5653). Organizations or individuals who reserve the Bear Paw have priority.

Members of the University community may also reserve other locations on campus for expressive activities through Conference Services. To ensure priority use and to avoid possible conflict with scheduled University activities, reservations are recommended but are not required. Amplification equipment shall be limited to activities held at the Bear Paw.

Related Policies

Related guidance for expressive activities is included in the University Advertising, Distribution and Solicitation Policy.

Adopted by the Board of Governors: January 16, 2004.