UCLA

Attachment C: Announcement of Rules of Engagement

 

In the event the University suspects or has actual knowledge of planned demonstrations that could disrupt the event, an explicit notice to the audience will be provided at the beginning of the event.

 

A UCLA representative or Event Organizer will make an announcement that contains the following elements, articulated consistently across events in both substance and tone, regardless of the viewpoints expressed by the speaker or demonstrators:

 

1. UCLA respects freedom-of-speech, including the lawful freedom-to-protest;

2. protests may not be so disruptive as to silence the invited speaker from communicating with a willing audience;

3. after a warning, protestors whose actions prevent the event from proceeding will be escorted out, be subject to arrest, and will be held accountable under relevant laws and University policies.

 

For your convenience, a sample announcement is below.

 

— SAMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT —

 

Good evening. My name is [YOUR NAME, TITLE]

Thank you for attending this event. Freedom of speech, which allows for the open exchange of ideas, is a core value at UCLA. As a learning environment, we never shy away from disagreement. Each member of the UCLA community has the right to present speakers and programs, as well as the right to protest speech.

Today’s speaker is brought to us by [UNIVERSITY UNIT], which is hosting this event and invited [SPEAKER NAME] to UCLA. We understand that this talk may prompt sharp disagreement, and we recognize and value the rights of individuals to express their views. But the University will not permit a response or a protest that is so disruptive so as to effectively silence the invited speaker and prevent them from communicating with a willing audience.

Campus officials are present and prepared to approach any individual or group who create a disruption. They will be warned and, if the disruption continues, they will be required to leave and are subject to arrest by the university Police Department. Those individuals could be held accountable under UCLA policy as well as any applicable criminal laws.

Our goal tonight is to have a peaceful and respectful event. Please be mindful of other audience members and thank you for your attention.