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Breaking News: University allows public comment on proposed changes to campus demonstration and posting policies

Robin Linares
Signs posted on the library during last semester's occupation calling for university divestment from the arms industry. Under the proposed posting policies, placing posters against the window would not be allowed. Photo by Maille Olgyay.

On Sept. 25, Willamette administration announced its proposed campus demonstration and posting policies, which are open to public comment for Willamette students and community members. 


The announcement of these proposed policies came after last semester’s peaceful occupation of Putnam University Center (UC) and the Hatfield Library over finals week, calling for the university to disclose and divest investments in the U.S. arms industry. 


According to the proposed campus demonstration policy, the Office of Student Affairs needs to be notified of a campus demonstration 48 hours in advance, and demonstrations are allowed to occur only in designated areas, or “unrestricted areas of campus.” These designated areas include building lobbies and hallways, unreserved classrooms and outdoor areas accessible to members of the campus community. 


The posting policy states that posters not for university-sponsored events, initiatives or announcements are not allowed on community bulletin boards or other public spaces on campus. Unapproved postings on bulletin boards and posters in unapproved locations (which include, but aren’t limited to trees, pillars, building exteriors, windows and hallways) will be removed. 


Additionally, the posting policy noted that flyers are not allowed to be distributed by hand to individuals or placed on cars. Moreover, sidewalk chalking is only permitted by recognized student organizations and departments upon written approval from the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL). The glass walls on Ford Hall are designated as Salem campus’ “open expression space,” or a space where non-university sponsored announcements and information can be posted. 


These proposed policies have received backlash from members of the student body, as concerns arose about students’ right to protest. A petition has also been made condemning these policies, and flyers with a printed QR code linked to the petition have been placed in various areas around campus, including on tables in Ford, the Art Building and the UC. 


Members of the student organization, Willamette’s Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) — the organization behind the last semester’s occupation — expressed concerns about these policies at a Sept. 26 Associated Students of Willamette University (ASWU) meeting. Public comment was made by both SDS members and nonmembers sharing concerns that the campus demonstration policies would “prevent meaningful student engagement,” and that the vague wording would allow administration to punish voices they disagree with. Some also urged ASWU senators to vote on publishing a statement condemning the proposed policies and calling for a revised policy. 


In response, ASWU explained that no decisions regarding an official statement would be made at that time, but an emergency meeting was held on Oct. 1 to discuss and vote on further action. 


In addition, ASWU coordinated an “ASWU and Admin” event with Vice President of Student Affairs Lisa Landreman, to “create a space for open dialogue about posting and protest policies,” according to an ASWU Instagram post. This event took place on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Bistro. 


According to the ASWU newsletter "Claire's Corner," during the weekly ASWU meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, ASWU senate members "voted to send a proposed posting policy to Office of Student Affairs."


The initial deadline for public comment was Oct. 2, a week after the policies’ announcement. However, according to an emailed statement to The Collegian from Landreman, the public comment period has been extended to Oct. 10. Those wanting to send a public comment regarding this policy can do so by contacting the Office of Student Affairs.


*This is a continually changing story. This article will be updated with more information.




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