University at Buffalo releases new policies for campus protests ahead of fall semester

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The University at Buffalo released drafts of its new policies on protests, postings and encampments on campus ahead of the fall semester, the university announced Thursday.

The drafts of its new "time, place and manner policies" come after students took to UB's North Campus in May to hold pro-Palestine protests, calling for ceasefire and UB's divestment from Israel, as well as protests calling for the release of hostages, amid the Israel-Hamas War.

UB started a 30-day comment and review period for both new and revised policies. The drafts have been shared with the university's policy review group, faculty senate and students representing the Student Association and Graduate Student Association, UB said in a UBNow article.

Postings, such as flyers, leaflets, projections, letters, and more, are only allowed to be posted on "general-use bulletin boards," the draft said. It stated that postings on doors, windows, trees, light poles, bus stops, vehicles, walls, and in elevators, are prohibited. "Chalking" on buildings, sidewalks and roadways is also not allowed.

Students who want to post on bulletin boards for certain departments, offices or organizations have to get permission from that group, UB said. UB would have the authority to remove postings if the rules aren't followed.

Under the "assembling" policy draft, protests can't interfere with building entrances, the privacy of university housing, offices or pedestrian and vehicular traffic, UB said. Outdoor assemblies in public spaces are allowed, but protests can't disturb classes, events and meetings, according to the draft.

"Amplification equipment" during protests is also prohibited.

The draft removed language on specific time limits for "assemblies or demonstrations," UB said.

As in the previous policy, encampments or any type of camping is still "strictly prohibited," besides in residence halls and apartments, the draft said.

The university also said it "must remain viewpoint neutral," even if the viewpoints contradict their own.

Along with its protesting policy drafts, UB is discussing the development of a new policy related to the use of outside law enforcement agencies. A draft policy also will be shared and reviewed with its policy group and university community, UB said.

The draft policies are open to additional revisions that can be suggested at the end of the comment and review period, UB said.

The university encourages feedback from its community during the 30-day comment period. For more information on the new policies, click here.