Free Speech

We consult with students and recognized student organizations (RSOs)

• Support students looking to reserve space or secure permits.
• Assist in navigating laws, policies and the U's bureaucracy.
• Connect students with relevant members of the administration.
• Offer educational resources and programming.

In general, consultations with DART are private, and we will only share information with students' consent. We are independent from both law enforcement and the student accountability process. There are several important exceptions, though. All members of DART are obligated by law to report anything we learn about:

• Discrimination, sexual misconduct, or retaliation
• Safety of minors violations
• Reports of abuse involving minors or vulnerable adults

We are also required to report anything we learn about violence or property damage.

No. The University of Utah’s mission includes "preparing students for lives of impact as leaders and citizens." Student organizers and activists create learning experiences for themselves, their peers, and the entire university community, and all students have rights of speech, expression and assembly that are guaranteed by the U.S. and Utah constitutions and supported by the university. We are here to ensure students have comprehensive and accurate information as they plan actions and to offer support in navigating laws, policy, and bureaucracy.

Yes. Our support is 100% content neutral, which means we're here for you no matter your cause, politics, or message.

Yes. Keep an eye out for us at actions happening on campus, and come say hi!

DART can help to clarify if the tactics you are considering likely cross the line from protected expression to civil disobedience. We're here to make sure you are able to make all decisions about complying with laws and policy—including decisions about engaging in civil disobedience—fully informed of possible risks and repercussions.

DART does not offer civil disobedience training or specific legal guidance. If students are planning to break the law, they need good legal advice in advance so that they understand possible penalties and to prepare for arrest, bail, and legal defense. The National Lawyers Guild is one good outside resource.

Students should understand that participating in civil disobedience exposes them to sanctions through the student conduct process and to civil or criminal penalties. Once a student is arrested, it's up to the District Attorney's office if they'll be charged. The university doesn't have any influence on that decision.

Unfortunately, no. We exist specifically to support student activists and organizers on campus.

Policy 1-007: University Speech Policy—along with its associated rules and guidelines—governs speech and other expressive activities on campus. Our Canvas course—Key Information for Student Activists—takes a deep dive into the policy.

Government agencies, including public universities, are allowed to make rules related to when, where, and how speech and expressive activities take place. These rules have to serve an important purpose and be content neutral. They also can't be so strict that they effectively prevent speech and assembly. The university has established time, place, and manner regulations designed for safety and to ensure that university activities are not unduly disrupted. These regulations apply to all members of the university community and the public while on university property.

Policy 1-007: University Speech Policy—along with its associated rules and guidelines—governs protests and other expressive activities on campus. Here are some of the most important things for protest organizers and attendees to be aware of:

Protests have to be:

• Lawful
• Nonviolent
• Orderly

Protests can't:

• Jeopardize public safety or damage property
• Unduly disrupt the functioning of the university
• Interfere with others' rights, including of assembly and free expression
• Block building entrances or exits
• Interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic

Our Canvas course—Key Information for Student Activists—goes into greater detail and includes case studies based on real events that have taken place at the U and other campuses.

Reservations and/or permits are required:

• For indoor spaces, except for areas open to the public during regular hours of operation
• For putting up structures, including tents
• For camping—unless waiting in line to buy tickets for a university-sponsored event or tailgating in designated areas
• For amplified sound
• For events with more than 500 people and that last more than two hours (these events require a Mass Gathering Permit from the Salt Lake County Health Department)

No, but many outdoor areas can be reserved, and reserving a space gives your group priority.

This depends on where your action will take place. Some of the scheduling offices that are most relevant to student organizers and activists are listed below. You can also send us an email at [email protected], and we'll help to connect you to the right office. Regardless of the scheduling office, you'll submit basic information about your event, and the scheduler will follow up to collect additional information related to any required permits.

Union Events & Scheduling oversees all spaces in the Union, along with the Union Patio, Union Plaza, and Tanner Plaza

• The Make Your Change form is designed to make it easy for student activists to schedule protests, demonstrations, and rallies
• Many of their rooms can be reserved online
• If you have questions, reach out! The Union Administration office is on the 2nd floor of the Union, across from the Services Desk. You can also call 801-581-7854 or email [email protected]

The Scheduling Division of the Office of the Registrar oversees classrooms and most outdoor spaces on campus, including Marriott Plaza and Presidents Circle

• Submit the Special Event Application at least two weeks prior to your event
• Reach out by phone at 801-581-7854 or email [email protected]

Department of Public Safety employees attend protests and demonstrations to protect the rights and safety of everyone—protestors, counter-protestors, and members of the public. You are allowed to record police in public spaces as long as you do not interfere with police activity.

Guest speakers have the right to speak without disruption. Shouting down speakers is not protected speech under the First Amendment.

• Office of the Dean of Students Their Student Support Team helps students to navigate the university and connects them to available resources. You can always reach out to schedule a meeting for support or guidance. They can also help you to report discrimination or hate incidents or sexual misconduct.

  The office also includes the Behavioral Intervention Team. If anyone you know is behaving in a way that concerns you, you can schedule a meeting or submit a report for referral.

• Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX OEO is responsible for upholding all of the university’s commitments to prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment—including compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act. They’re the ones who investigate all reports of discrimination, sexual misconduct, harassment, or retaliation. They’re also available for one-to-one consultations and education.
• Center for Campus Wellness CCW has a holistic view of wellness and a comprehensive set of programs and services, including Victim Survivor Advocacy, Health Coaching, Safer Sex Supplies, and Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction and Recovery.
• University Counseling Center Most Counseling Center services are free to students! All services are confidential. No one outside the center may have access to counseling or psychiatric information without your prior, express written permission, except for limited exceptions required by law. The center offers crisis services; individual, group, and couples therapy; and psychiatric medication management.
• Dream Center The Dream Center supports the development of all students, including undocumented students and others who are systemically impacted by immigration. They’re full of resources and advice on academic advising, scholarships, and other relevant topics.

Complete our free Canvas course: Key Information for Student Activists!

There are many guides produced by independent organizations that are not affiliated with the University of Utah, including:

• ACLU Utah—Your Right to Protest
• National Lawyers Guild—Know  Your Rights: A Guide for Protestors
• PEN America—Campus Free Speech Guide
• Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression—What Are My Rights on Campus?

If this is an emergency, a crime in progress, or an act or threat of violence, please call 911 immediately.

• For violations of the student code, complete an incident report with the Office of the Dean of Students
• Use this form to report possible incidents of discrimination, including sexual misconduct, to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX.
• Crimes can be reported to the University of Utah Police Department by calling 801-585-2677 or by completing the Silent Witness Form.
• Complaints can be brought against University Safety personnel by emailing the chair of the Independent Review Committee at [email protected], by emailing the Vice President for Student Affairs Office at [email protected], or by completing this form.