Free Speech and
Assembly Policy

There shall be no restrictions placed on the fundamental rights to free speech and assembly except those necessary to protect the rights of others and to preserve the order necessary for the University to function as an institution of higher learning.

The entire campus of the University of Maine (except corridors and inside areas and facilities not available on a scheduled basis for reasons of public safety) is open to any form of expression by students, faculty, staff, and their invited guests, the only limitations being that normal University functions may not be disturbed, the free flow of traffic may not be disturbed, and the rules of public safety may not be contravened.

Individuals and groups wishing to use outdoor areas and facilities shall notify the Director of Public Safety at least three days in advance of the nature, the time, and the place of the proposed activity.

In order to ensure that each individual can freely pursue his/her educational goals unencumbered by unwanted distractions, it is appropriate to establish procedures for scheduling all nonacademic outdoor music events which utilize live and/or scheduled amplified music. Individuals and groups planning outside music events are required to: confer, register in writing, and gain written approval for the event from the Director of Campus Activities and Events Office, Memorial Union, at least seven days in advance.

Specific locations will be determined in consultation with the sponsoring organization on an event-by-event basis with the responsibility for authorization resting with the appropriate approving agency.

In addition to notifying the Director of Public Safety, the individuals or groups involved shall, if they wish any amplification of sound, notify AV Services or Campus Activities and Events.

Individuals and groups wishing to use indoor areas and facilities must schedule such areas and facilities with the proper scheduling authorities a reasonable time in advance of their use, indicating the nature, the time, and the place of the proposed activity, except that space need not be scheduled for the distribution of leaflets, broadsides, and other forms of literature unless table space is requested. Distribution of such literature shall be governed by all other provisions of this policy.

Both outdoor and indoor areas and facilities are to be made available on a nondiscriminatory basis. Please refer to the Statement on Usage of University of Maine Buildings.                                                                    (June 2007)