PURPOSE OF GUIDELINES
The Guidelines on Peaceful Protest at Queen’s are intended to provide helpful information to students, faculty and staff who wish to exercise their right to free expression at Queen’s University through protest.
Queen’s University supports peaceful protests provided they comply with applicable university policies, collective agreements and Canadian laws, and do not interfere with the rights of others to use University property and facilities.
The following guidance will assist community members who wish to participate in peaceful protest or other similar events and activities on property that is owned, leased, or occupied by Queen’s University and its affiliates.
GUIDELINES
Protest Locations – Queen’s University is committed to providing and maintaining a safe campus environment. Occupying or entering Queen’s University premises (including offices, classrooms, labs, clinics, fields, open spaces or any other on-campus spaces) without authorization is not permitted.
For information on booking space at Queen’s University, please see the Policy on the Booking, Use, and Cancellation of Bookings in University Space. The use of City property may also require permits to ensure everyone’s safety and proper care should be taken to plan for municipal permits in advance.
Manner of Protest – Queen’s University allows peaceful protest that does not disrupt or obstruct by action, threat or otherwise, any university event or any sanctioned activity, including teaching, learning, research, administration, lectures, social and official events or which does not disrupt the normal operations of the University or infringe on the rights of another member of the University community.
University policies make clear that the following behaviours and actions are not permitted:
Violence: Any form of violence on its property, including violence that might occur during a protest activity.
Excessive Noise: Activities resulting in noise that prevents the speech of invited guests, University members, and others; that obstructs Queen’s University activities from continuing; or noise that negatively impacts those living in Queen’s University residences are not permitted.
Blocking Access: Blocking doorways to buildings or roadways into campus, or otherwise interfering with entry or exit from Queen’s University spaces or property is not allowed.
Intimidation or Harassment: Physical and verbal intimidation or harassment; or impeding others’ basic rights, including free expression, freedom to assemble, and human rights are prohibited. This includes harassing individuals in their cars, offices, homes, at meetings of university governance, or elsewhere.
Posters and Signs: Affixing signs, posters, or flyers (including the use of chalk, marker, paint, and projections) outside designated areas is prohibited under university signage policies and City of Kingston Streets Bylaw 2004-190 (Public Notice Boards).
Health and Safety Risks: Actions that threaten the physical health and safety of others, or that present a threat to security are prohibited.
Discrimination: Using language in chants or recordings, on signs, or otherwise that demeans others based on their age, ancestry or race, ethnicity, place of origin, creed or faith, disability, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, or other categories in the Ontario Human Rights Code is a form of Discriminatory Harassment involving public behaviour that exceeds the bounds of free expression or academic freedom as these are understood in University policies and is not permitted.
Exclusivity: Restricting entry to event space based on political viewpoint or other criteria is not permitted (Only events that are booked and advertised or promoted as private gatherings can be restricted to invitees only).
There are consequences for violating University policies, including the above Guidelines on Peaceful Protest at Queen’s. Engaging in these prohibited activities can result in consequences under law and Queen’s University policies, including arrest, suspension, trespass from property, and expulsion.
Risk and Safety Services monitors protests on campus for compliance with the guidelines noted above. Non-compliance (physical or verbal) or failure to comply with direction from campus officials may result in Campus Security and Emergency Services reporting the behaviours and/or requesting the presence of police.
Related University Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines:
Collective agreements with unions and associations
Free Expression at Queen's University
Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy
Improper Acts Reporting Policy
Policy on the Booking, Use, and Cancellation of Bookings in University Space
Senate Report on Principles and Priorities (January 25, 1996)
Signage Policy
Student Code of Conduct
Guidance for Dealing with Classroom Disruptions