Stanford
Freedom of Expression

Events and Spaces

Illustration of a red pin icon, on top of a folded paper map, each on top of a dark green background.

Members of the campus community are able to organize events at many locations on campus. This section outlines how the rules for various kinds of spaces on campus apply to events, including protests and rallies. 

  • Small gatherings have always occurred in many locations on campus, whether to celebrate a student’s dissertation defense, rejoice in a football victory (particularly against Cal), or to protest an invited speaker. These are permissible without additional planning or permitting unless they involve elements that would trigger the Major Events Protocol (in which case advance planning is required) or violate the Policy on Campus Disruptions (in which case they are not allowed, and should be modified in time, place or or manner to comply with those policies). These policies do not distinguish among speakers/participants on the basis of viewpoint.
  • White Plaza has long served as an active hub for the widest range of speech at Stanford and the rules for that space are designed to make it easy for protests and rallies to take place there; although registration is strongly encouraged and gives groups priority for use of White Plaza, that space is also available for more spontaneous use by Stanford students, faculty, and staff for protests and rallies without advance approval between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. (though subject to other rules such as limits on amplified sound). The university has also designated additional spaces around campus suitable for larger protests and rallies; unlike White Plaza, these places do require advance registration and approval under content and viewpoint-neutral rules to ensure adequate staffing. 
  • In addition, many spaces on campus have reservation and use policies. These should be applied in viewpoint-neutral ways, though some spaces are designated for specific content-related purposes. For example, Dinkelspiel Auditorium is operated by the Music Department, which can give priority to musical groups looking for performance space over other uses, though under Stanford’s policies it should not discriminate on the basis of viewpoint of the performers. 

In all locations on campus, individuals and groups must follow the instructions of university officials, including instructions to cease activity at that time and place or otherwise comply with university policy. 

Major Events

Events with more that 100 expected attendees, involve a march or rally, or a high profile speaker require registration but will not be denied based on viewpoint.

Other Campus Spaces

Besides the designated outdoor event spaces such as White Plaza, many areas of campus and indoor meeting spaces are available for reserved or spontaneous use by smaller groups.

Posters, Banners and Chalking

Depending on location (White Plaza, residences, classroom buildings etc.), the rules allowing posters, flyers, banners vary. Sidewalk chalking (except on brick) is generally permitted, but not on buildings or other structures like benches or fountains.

Camping, Tabling, Outdoor Structures

Overnight camping is not allowed nor is putting up canopies or other outdoor structures without permission. Tabling in White Plaza is allowed when following specific rules.

Identification Requirements

Members of the community must be able to verify their identity, including by visual check, when requested by officials who have reasonable grounds to believe they are violating the Disruption Policy.

Visitors to Stanford

While Stanford welcomes visitors, they cannot organize events on campus without permission. Visitors may hand out flyers in White Plaza, but they may not use tables or other structures.