Northeastern University supports its students, faculty, and staff in the peaceful and orderly expression of views, whether in support or protest, related to issues, action, events, or opinions, including those about which there may be disagreement. Northeastern's Policy on Demonstrations promotes the safety and security of members of the university community who participate in demonstrations as well as the rights of others to study, work, and participate in the university community without unreasonable disruption. The policy outlines the requirements for Northeastern students, faculty, and staff to organize or participate in demonstrations on property owned or controlled by the university or in connection with university events. Students, faculty, or staff seeking to demonstrate on university property and/or in connection with a university event must comply with all applicable university policies, protocols, procedures, and requirements. Third parties are not permitted to engage or participate in demonstrations on university property or at university events. The university may take action, including requiring the immediate cessation of a demonstration, if a demonstration at any time fails to comply with the Policy on Demonstrations or other applicable university policies, processes, procedures, laws, and/or directions or instructions by university administration or an authorized representative of the university administration regarding safety or security. Violators of the policy may be subject to action consistent with university policy and procedures, including disciplinary action. Those who violate these requirements will be subject to disciplinary processes and may jeopardize their right to remain in the university community.
Free Expression
A foundational principle of Northeastern University is that a global, multicultural, diverse, and inclusive community is vital to learning, discovery, and innovation at the highest levels of human endeavor. As an institution of higher learning, Northeastern endeavors to foster a community that protects and supports free expression, welcomes open dialogue on critical issues, and maintains an inclusive educational environment where different views can be safely expressed and debated by community members in an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect. This is neither intended to contravene Northeastern’s longstanding commitment to academic freedom nor imply acceptance of discrimination on the basis of protected categories or other forms of communication or action that violate university policy.