Event Guidelines for Expressive Activity

These event guidelines summarize expectations for participation and interaction at UMD Libraries' events that will foster an environment of mutual respect and collaborative inquiry. 

  • Commit to maintaining a safe and respectful environment. Library events are intended to foster knowledge, learning, inclusion, nondiscrimination, and multiculturalism. All participants at library events must agree to engage with each other with respect, fairness, and integrity.
  • Our primary commitment is to learn from each other. We acknowledge differences among us in perspectives, backgrounds, and interests. We realize that these very differences will increase our awareness and understanding.
  • We will not demean, devalue, or “put down” people for their perspectives, experiences, lack of experiences, or difference in interpretation of those experiences.
  • Engage respectfully.  If we disagree with something that has been said by a speaker, we will challenge the idea or the practice when we submit a formal comment or question. We will not  place blame or use inflammatory language.
  • Abide by all campus policies. Of particular note is Appendix A of UMD's Policy and Procedures for the Use of Facilities and Outdoor Spaces, which include the following guidelines:
    • Individuals may not block or otherwise interfere with the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic or other transportation modes including but not limited to public transit, bicycle, moped, golf cart, scooter, skateboard, rollerblades, etc. The right of way on streets and sidewalks must be maintained.
    • Individuals may not block or otherwise interfere with ingress and egress into and out of or within campus buildings.
    • Individuals shall not obstruct, disrupt, interrupt, or attempt to force the cancellation of any Program hosted by the University or by any users authorized to use University facilities or outdoor spaces.
    • Individuals shall not engage in unlawfully harassing, physically abusive, threatening or intimidating, or lewd or obscene conduct toward any person.
    • Individuals shall comply with the directions of any University official acting in the performance of their duty.
    • Classes or other scheduled activities shall not be disrupted.
    • Use of public address systems and amplified sound will not be permitted without prior approval from the University, through the relevant space manager. Those approved to use amplified sound are generally only permitted to use it at the following days/times: Fridays (5pm – 10pm), Saturdays (10am – 10pm), and Sundays (12pm – 8pm).
    • Where an invited speaker is the object of protest, individuals may engage in Expressive Activity outside the building where the speech is taking place. Individuals who wish to enter the building must do so as members of the audience and must give the speaker a respectful hearing. Failure to grant the speaker a respectful hearing may result in the offending individual(s) being asked to leave. 
    • Any signs, banners, or similar items carried into the building must be constructed of materials that do not present a safety hazard and may not be attached to rigid materials such as sticks or poles. The use of such items may not deprive others of their rights or otherwise violate these Guidelines. The University reserves the right to prohibit or restrict the carrying of such items into a building when there is a reasonable expectation that it will compromise safety, interfere with ingress or egress, or deprive others of their rights such as by interfering with others' ability to see, hear, or participate in the event.
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