Tufts is committed to protecting students’ right to protest within the bounds of university policies. Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate will not be tolerated on our campuses. We have, and will, enforce our robust non-discrimination policy that is intended to promote an educational environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
The majority of community members protesting issues related to the Israel-Hamas war have done so peacefully and without violating our conduct standards or non-discrimination policies. However, last year we saw a disturbing increase in complaints related to antisemitism. Though the magnitude wasn’t as large, we also saw a troubling increase in anti-Palestinian/Islamophobia complaints. Everyone in our community must take great care to ensure that their advocacy for a cause does not turn into discrimination against a group or an individual.
In cases of alleged violations of Tufts policies, our incident reporting process provides opportunities for anonymous reporting and a fair investigation of the allegations.
What is the university’s policy regarding on-campus protests?
Active citizenship, including exercising free speech and engaging in protests, gatherings, and demonstrations, is a vital part of the Tufts community. However, there are limits to allowable protest, including disruption or obstruction of community activity, unauthorized access, disorderly conduct, and property damage and vandalism. The purpose of these restrictions is not to stifle protest. As the board of trustees said in its Declaration on Freedom of Expression, the purpose is “to ensure that all members of the community have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the discovery and dissemination of knowledge.”
When protests are alleged to have violated the university’s conduct or anti-discrimination policies, the actions are addressed through our incident reporting and investigation process.
When are protests and demonstrations allowed?
The general guidance from the university’s time, place, and manner policy, with relation to protests and demonstrations, is as follows:
Scheduling: Organizers must check if a space requires advance notice or reservations and follow the proper process. For questions about scheduling, contact your local dean’s office or division head.
Quiet Hours: Generally, amplified sound is not allowed during classes, exams, or overnight near residence halls. If noise disrupts library, classroom, studio, office, clinic, or lab activities, participants may be asked to lower the volume or stop their activity entirely.
Overnight Demonstrations: To ensure both the safety of all community members and equal access to our campus and facilities, overnight demonstrations and protests are strictly prohibited. Failure to vacate a location, either indoor or outdoor, at the end of the day or ignoring instructions from university officials may result in disciplinary actions, no-trespass orders, or arrests.
Demonstrations and protests are not permitted on certain days and occasions, including:
- Reading Days
- Exam Days
Chalking is not permitted during matriculation and commencement.
Where are demonstrations and protests allowed?
Demonstrations and protests are not permitted at the following locations:
- Private offices, labs, clinic and research space, hospitals, health services, utilities, or other facilities necessary to the university’s continued operation
- Residence halls, dorms, or any on-campus housing
- Classrooms, studios or conference rooms in use or scheduled for classes, private meetings or other activities
- Dining halls
- Campus centers
- Libraries, museums, theaters
- University statues (Jumbo and Bessie)
Which types of demonstrations and protests are not allowed?
Demonstrations and protests that explicitly threaten or advocate violence or that create a hostile environment are never allowed.
In addition, demonstrations and protest must not:
- Block walkways, doorways, stairs, hallways, or traffic.
- Create disturbance in violation of local ordinance in surrounding community
- Introduce items or conditions that would otherwise be banned on campus, e.g., open flames.