Protests, Demonstrations, and Gatherings on Point Park Property

Point Park University (“Point Park”) acknowledges the need to maintain a balanced campus environment. The following policy outlines guidelines for campus events involving public acts of expression or dissent, public demonstrations or protests, or distribution of literature on Point Park property (“Demonstration”) while prioritizing safety, civility, and an inclusive learning environment:

Point Park has established requirements for the use of its facilities and property to: (1) focus on its mission; (2) provide a safe environment where lawful free expression can occur; (3) ensure the campus is accessible and open to all members of the Point Park community; and (4) preserve the aesthetics and condition of Point Park property.

This policy is not intended and does not apply to labor strikes or Demonstrations as defined and protected by the National Labor Relations Act.

Open Expression and Assembly Rights

While encouraging open expression, Point Park also maintains policies to ensure campus activities do not interfere with Point Park operations or infringe on the rights of others. The goal is to create an environment where ideas can be exchanged freely and respectfully. By upholding these principles, Point Park strives to cultivate graduates who are thoughtful, engaged members of society prepared to participate in democratic processes and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Using Point Park Property for Demonstrations

Demonstrations are only permitted by a recognized student group, a department, or a school (collectively, “Affiliated Group’). Demonstrations organized by any party other than an Affiliated Group are prohibited on Point Park property. Students, faculty, and staff may be required to produce a valid Point Park I.D. when asked.
All Demonstrations must register with and be approved by Point Park’s Conference and Event Services, the Department of Public Safety, and, for student groups, Point Park’s Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Office. Further all Demonstrations must comply with the guidelines and procedures established by Point Park’s Conference and Event Services and Department of Public Safety. All Demonstrations hosted by recognized student groups must also comply with the event requirements established by Point Park’s Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Office.
A Demonstration sponsored by an Affiliated Group may utilize designated outdoor Point Park owned property for Demonstrations so long as the Demonstrations do not interfere with normal Point Park operations, obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, prevent equal access to or use of Point Park’s property, threaten physical harm to persons or Point Park property, or violate Point Park policies or the law.
Demonstrations may also occur on City of Pittsburgh property near Point Park property if permitted by and in accordance with state and local law. Such Demonstrations may not interfere with normal Point Park operations, obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, prevent equal access to Point Park’s property, threaten physical harm to persons or Point Park property, or violate the law.
No Demonstrations are permitted during the period beginning at 10:00 pm and ending at 8:30 am.
No structures of any kind (including but not limited to tables, tents, stakes, screens, etc.) are permitted on Point Park property unless arranged through Point Park’s Conference and Event Services.
Camping is prohibited on Point Park property. Camping includes taking up temporary quarters utilizing a tent or other sheltering equipment, including but not limited to sleeping bags. In addition, sleeping outdoors, with or without sheltering equipment on Point Park property is prohibited on Point Park property.
Except as pre-approved by Point Park’s Conference and Event Services, at no time shall any person project images onto the exterior of a Point Park facility or on Point Park property.
No person taking part in a Demonstration on Point Park property may wear a face covering or other item covering a substantial portion of the face so as to conceal the identity of the wearer. This prohibition shall not ordinarily apply to wearing a face covering for medical reasons or as part of a religious or cultural observance or tradition.
Demonstrations must be peaceful and non-violent.
Demonstrations may not impede access to buildings, classrooms, or other Point Park facilities.
Demonstrations may not disrupt scheduled classes, exams, or official university activities.
Demonstrations, event organizers, and event participants must always comply with directives from Point Park leadership or law enforcement.
Demonstrations involving leaflets or other written material shall observe all requirements related to littering and proper disposal of any such written material.

Speakers Sponsored by Affiliated Groups

No person may disrupt a speaker at an engagement sponsored by an Affiliated Group or hinder the ability of attendees to see or hear the speaker.

Amplified Sound

Amplified Sound is any sound that is broadcast through electronically or mechanically amplified equipment. Use of amplified sound on Point Park property requires prior approval by Conference and Event Services and, in the case of student organizations, the Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Office. Amplified sound should always be kept at a reasonable volume and should be appropriate and lawful regarding language and lyrics.

Exterior Posting

Exterior posting of flyers or other materials is not permitted on Point Park owned property. Point Park will immediately remove all such exterior posing.

Chalking/Graffiti/Tagging

Use of chalk, paint, spray/adhesive chalks, markers, or inks to mark, tag, or draw on Point Park owned property is prohibited. With the prior approval of Conference and Event Services and, in the case of student organizations, the Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Office, Chalk may be used on Point Park owned exterior concrete or asphalt sidewalks or walkways. Use of chalk on brick, slate, other stone surfaces, buildings, or other structures of any kind is strictly prohibited. Only non-permanent sidewalk chalk may be used. The content of any chalking shall be subject to all Park Point policies and guidelines relating to speech, violence, harassment, and discrimination.

Candles or Open Flames

Use of candles or other open flames on Point Park property requires prior approval by Conference and Event Services and, in the case of student organizations, the Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Office.

Civility and Respect

Demonstration organizers and participants are expected to maintain civility and respect for all members of the Point Park community. Personal attacks, intimidation, discrimination, and harassing or threatening behavior are not permitted.

Hate Speech

Hate speech is defined as speech or expression that is motivated by hatred toward individuals based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. All Hate Speech, whether written or spoken, is prohibited on Point Park property.

Terroristic Threats

Terroristic threats are defined as an expression of the intent to commit an act of unlawful violence against another person or group of people made directly to that person or group, or a threat which is defined within Title 18 § 2706 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. All speech containing terroristic threats is prohibited on Point Park property.

Violations and Enforcement

Affiliated Groups who violate Point Park policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination and expulsion in accordance with relevant Point Park policies and procedures. Suspected student violations of this policy will be addressed through Point Park’s student conduct process. Suspected faculty or staff violations of this policy will be addressed through the Human Resources office.

Students, faculty, staff, and unaffiliated individuals who violate Point Park policies may also be subject to a persona non grata order issued by the Point Park police department. Such an order requires an individual to immediately leave Point Park property. Failure to abide by the persona non grata order will result in arrest. In addition, students may receive interim suspension.

Students, faculty, staff, and unaffiliated individuals who violate federal, state, or local laws are subject to arrest and criminal prosecution.

Policy Violations During a Demonstration

A Point Park official who observes a violation of this policy or any other Point Park policy during a Demonstration will notify the offender of the violation and advise that the offender must comply with Point Park policy or suffer disciplinary consequences. If the violation continues, the official will request the offender’s identity for disciplinary follow-up. Failure to provide identification, in and of itself, may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination, expulsion, or a persona non grata order by Point Park law enforcement.

Revisions

This Policy succeeds previous policies addressing Demonstrations on Point Park property. If there is a conflict between the content of this Policy and another applicable Point Park policy addressing Demonstrations on Point Park property this policy shall control. Point Park reserves the right to make changes to this document as necessary, and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect.

If government laws or regulations change or court decisions alter the requirements in a way that impacts this Policy, this Policy will be construed to comply with the most recent government laws, regulations, or court holdings.

This Policy is effective October 30, 2024.