Policy name: Peaceful Demonstration and Protest Policy
Policy owner: Vice President of Student Affairs
Demonstration Policy
Northwest Technical College (NTC) acknowledges and affirms the rights of individuals both on and off campus to petition peacefully and in an orderly manner. The purpose of this policy is to provide students, staff, faculty, alumni, and other stakeholders with an environment that promotes thoughtful engagement with one another with ideas, strategies, and information in ways that respect and appreciate the diversity of people. This policy on demonstrations, protests, and petitions is to advise the Northwest Technical College community and public communities on expected standards of conduct during demonstrations, protests or petitions.
Scope: This policy is in effect at Northwest Technical College and on any other properties managed by the college. It applies to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the wider community.
Time, Place and Manner
Northwest Technical College reserves the right to regulate the time, place, and manner of demonstration, protest, or petition activities. Failure to comply with Northwest Technical College officials will constitute a failure to comply with policy. Demonstrators, protestors, or petitioners must adhere to all college policies.
Sponsors of demonstrations or protests must submit a written request to the Director of Enrollment & Student Success or designee at least three (3) full NTC business days prior to the scheduled activity. Demonstration, protest, or petition can take place during business days in which the college is open for business and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Any request to hold a demonstration outside of these hours must include a detailed explanation in the request form for review and consideration.
In order to ensure that Northwest Technical College’s normal operations are not disrupted, the following guidelines are in place:
- Demonstrations, protests, or petitions shall not utilize any method or material which amplifies sound, including but not limited to megaphones, speakers, portable public address systems, or similar systems intended to amplify sound; except where required by the
- Demonstrations, protests, or petitions are permitted in non-reservable spaces as assigned by the Director of Enrollment & Student Success or designee, most typically the lawn on the north side of the main NTC campus building.
- Any request to hold a demonstration outside of the lawn on the north side of the main NTC campus building must include a detailed explanation for review and
- Such activity is not permitted inside offices, academic spaces, classrooms, or laboratories. The demonstration, protest, or petition should not interfere with scheduled campus business.
- Encampments, defined as temporary structures such as tents, shelters, or other forms of prolonged occupation, are subject to the same guidelines outlined in this While Northwest Technical College upholds the right to free expression, encampments present safety risks, security, and logistical challenges. Therefore, the college reserves the right to deny any request to establish an encampment on campus if these concerns are not adequately addressed. Failure to comply with this policy may result in further action, including disciplinary measures.
- Demonstrators may not utilize torches, Tiki torches, open flames, weapons, sticks, poles or similar objects, or barricades during a demonstration.
- Northwest Technical College reserves the right to ask for necessary changes to avoid disruptive
At no time shall a demonstration, protest, or petition block individuals from proper and lawful access to and egress from NTC buildings or facilities. Such activities should not endanger the safety or security of the campus community, infringe upon the rights of members of the community, obstruct access to NTC facilities or spaces, damage property, or disrupt normal college operation.
The college may intervene in the conduct of demonstrations, protests, or petitions when this policy is violated, the intervention may include referral to law enforcement. Failure to comply with the terms outlined in this policy, other campus policies, or any college requests will result in removal.
Minnesota Statute Section 624.72 addresses the issue of demonstrations and states that, “Whoever, intentionally, or through coercion, force or intimidation, denies or interferes with the lawful right of another to the free access to or egress from or to use or remain in or upon public property or in a like manner interferes with the transaction of public business therein or thereon may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or a fine of not more than $3,000 or both.”
For events occurring on city sidewalks and streets adjacent to the college, organizers should make appropriate arrangements to acquire city permits and adhere to city ordinances and applicable state and federal law.
Civil Behavior in a College Setting
The viewpoints of different members of the Northwest Technical College community may conflict, and the college does not seek to shield individuals from ideas that they might find unwelcome or disagreeable. Generally, the college does not intervene to enforce standards of civility. However, there are specific situations where behavior that significantly breaches NTC community’s standards may warrant formal intervention by the college. The college may also impose restrictions on expressions that violate the law. Additionally, the college may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to prevent disruptions to the normal activities of the college.
Placards, Banners and Signs
Placards, banners, and signs are generally permitted, provided they do not pose a danger to others or disrupt the participation of individuals in the college’s normal activities. If any placards, banners, or signs are deemed hazardous or obstructive, college officials will ask those carrying them to relocate or remove their materials.
Advanced Arrangements for Public Expression
Northwest Technical College recognizes that campuses are marketplaces of ideas. Advance notification enables the college to ensure participants’ safety and to assist organizers, so the event takes place in a constructive and peaceable manner and does not disrupt the normal functioning of the college.
Counter-protests
A protest, demonstration, petition or event on campus may lead to a counter-protest or event from individuals with differing viewpoints. Northwest Technical College honors the rights and freedoms of all individuals, recognizing the importance of expression for all parties involved. However, if these protected speech activities become disruptive, the college reserves the right to relocate one or both events or to establish a perimeter to ensure physical safety. In cases where opposing groups are intent on occupying the same space, the college will assess the situation and may implement additional measures to manage potential conflicts, including separating the groups, providing alternate spaces, increasing security presence, or coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure safety and compliance with campus policies.”
Free Speech refers to the right to express thoughts, ideas, and opinions without censorship or restraint by the institution.
Disruptive Conduct refers to actions that are disruptive to the normal operations of the college, including but not limited to interference with instruction, research, study, administration, freedom of association, meetings, and/or other authorized and permissible use of college facilities; infringe on the rights and privileges of others; endanger the safety of any person(s); and/or cause damage to property. Disruptive conduct is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.
Non-discrimination Statement
Northwest Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.
Rationale
The rationale for this policy is to establish a means and method for individuals or groups to assemble in a reasonable and appropriate time and place in support of the First Amendment protections afforded by the United States Constitution and Article 1 Section 3 of the Minnesota State Constitution.