Stanford
Freedom of Expression

Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom at Stanford

Stanford is committed to freedom of expression, free inquiry, and the open exchange of ideas as fundamental values for the university’s academic mission. This website furnishes interim guidance on the application of freedom of expression principles in different contexts around campus. 

Highlighted Policies

Download 2-page summary (PDF)

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White Plaza

White Plaza continues to be a central place for freedom of expression and where members of the Stanford community can hold events. White Plaza can be used for spontaneous protests and demonstrations by Stanford affiliates without advance permission (even when more than 100 people are expected), but planned events should be registered in advance and have priority. All events must comply with White Plaza rules regarding amplified noise and other issues.

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Additional outdoor event spaces

In addition to White Plaza, Stanford has designated several locations as outdoor event spaces for members of the Stanford community — Meyer Green, the groves next to the Oval, Manzanita Field, and Panama Street Clearing. These can be used for events including demonstrations with more than 100 expected participants. However, advance registration of these spaces is required. The Main Quad is an academic area and is NOT an event space, other than for established university events. Demonstrations, rallies, and other events should occur in White Plaza or one of the other outdoor event spaces; smaller events can be held in a variety of locations.

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Registering a major event

Events with expected attendance of over 100 people or involving certain criteria (such as noise levels, presence of a high-profile speaker, marches or running races, and others) require advance registration and approval through the Major Events Protocol, which is linked from the website. A march around campus is considered a major event and must be registered. A spontaneous demonstration or rally may be held in White Plaza even with more than 100 people without advance approval, but registration is strongly encouraged.

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Disruption policies

Campus policy prohibits the disruption of a university function or approved activity, including classes and ceremonies, and also prevents obstructing the legitimate movement of any person about the campus or in a university facility. Disruption in the classroom includes the time when students are assembling in the room as well as after class when they may be attempting to speak to the instructor or each other about class material. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

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No overnight camping

Overnight camping (staying outside between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on university property or setting up structures that remain between those hours) is not permitted, with the exception of longstanding agreements with the university. Unauthorized tents and structures will be removed.

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Posters, banners and chalking

Chalking is allowed on exterior sidewalks, within guidelines on the website. Poster and banner policies differ across areas of campus depending on the function of the area. Spaces like White Plaza are available for the widest range of communications. Student residences serve as students’ homes and have different rules. For example, under pre-existing policy, banners and flags cannot be hung outside residential windows and over balcony railings, other than banners approved as part of a residential theme. Residents may display signage, including political signage, inside a window of their unit or on their unit’s door.

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Identification and Masking

Consistent with the university’s 1968 Policy on Campus Disruptions, members of the community have an obligation to identify themselves when asked by a university official. Any individual on university property whom a university official believes to be violating the disruption policy must, upon request, present identification (a Stanford ID, SUNet ID, or government-issued ID) and have their identity confirmed by visual inspection, briefly removing any face covering if necessary.

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Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies

Stanford abides by the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin, as well as the provisions of Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.