Rights and Responsibilities 

All undergraduate and graduate students have a right to demonstrate on MassArt premises. While MassArt policies regarding demonstrations are content-neutral, the College necessarily reserves the right to limit, disallow or disband an event which incites immediate, violent action or represents a clear and present danger to the campus community, or if for any reason of time, place, or manner of behavior, the demonstration materially disrupts classwork or other college business, involves a substantial disorder, or invades the rights of others. 

Demonstrators entering campus buildings to conduct orderly and peaceful demonstrations may not enter or occupy rooms or offices; obstruct entry, exit, or restrict the free movement of persons; block hallways, doorways, stairs or doors of college facilities; materially interrupt or interfere with college business functions, or remain in buildings after the close of regular hours of operation. 

For safety and security reasons, demonstrators are not allowed to enter residence halls; private offices; laboratories; studios; spaces where classes or private meetings are being held or immediately scheduled to be held; libraries; facilities or areas containing valuable or sensitive materials, collections, equipment, records protected by law or by existing college policy such as educational records, student-related or personnel-related records, or financial records; emergency facilities or any facilities housing communication systems, security, utilities, or other facilities or services vital to the business functions of MassArt. 

Demonstrators can engage in legal activities that do not violate other’s constitutional rights or harm property. Any demonstration that violates any college policy may be discontinued, either at the direction of a senior administrator or their designee or at the direction of MassArt’s Public Safety. The senior administrator, designee, or member of MassArt’s Public Safety department will identify themselves when making a directive to demonstrators. If a Dispersal Order is issued by Public Safety, demonstrators must comply with instructions and leave the immediate area. Should any demonstrators have mobility or medical issues, adequate time will be given for them to comply with any instructions given. Blocking entry to or free exit from MassArt buildings, impeding or obstructing others’ free movement, engaging in harassing behavior, or inciting immediate, violent action that represents a clear and present danger to the campus community is prohibited under the Code of Student Conduct.