Planning a Protest, Demonstration, or Program That May be Controversial

The Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students is available to advise members of the University community in the planning of protests and demonstrations. As a neutral party, ODUS is able to assist individuals and groups in coordinating the logistical details of these activities and should be consulted as early as possible. Understanding these programs are often in response to national or campus events, a fully formulated plan is not necessary before contacting ODUS. Whether sponsors are considering inviting a controversial speaker to campus or intend to protest the ideas of an invited speaker, ODUS can help.

ODUS serves as a resource in connecting to other campus departments and can offer referral services to ensure a successful program. From the coordination of space reservations, equipment, catering, ticket distribution, parking accommodations, and even potential funding sources, ODUS can connect sponsors with the appropriate University office or student group. ODUS also serves as an institutional resource to ensure that any actions are within University policy.

Student Organizations are encouraged to register all protests and demonstrations with ODUS using the Campus Life Event Registration (CLEVER) or by contacting Dean Jarrett Fisher. Similarly, all members of the University community are encouraged to contact Dean Fisher when planning a protest, demonstration, or sponsoring a program that may be controversial. Additional guidelines when planning a controversial event can be found here.

Those who are not members of the University community should refer to Rights, Rules, Responsibilities 3.2.

Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions

While Princeton does not regulate the content of speech it can set forth reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Examples of permissible University time, place, and manner restrictions include:

  • Time: Amplified sound is limited to certain hours.
  • Place: Posting of information in University buildings and grounds is limited to designated areas.
  • Manner: Distribution of literature may not block the ingress and egress of University venues.