JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – University of North Florida administrators are proposing new rules for on-campus protests.
In May, 16 people were arrested after they rallied together on campus against the Israel-Hamas war. The group later became known as the “Jax 16.”
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The regulation called “Freedom of Expression in Outdoor Areas on Campus” proposes several changes to the way protests are held.
The group of protesters back in May had created an encampment. However, under UNF’s proposed rules, “Camping with or without a tent or other structure, including overnight sleeping, or the use of mattresses, comforter, and bags, without prior approval is not permitted.”
The new rules are also more specific regarding the signage held during protests as signs can’t exceed 24′' x 36′', and they can only be made of foam, cardboard, or paper.
The new rule also states “all signs, banners, or flags must always be in the possession of a person.”
News4JAX asked UNF students what they think about the proposed changes.
“Well, personally, I’m not huge on the whole protesting thing. I don’t mind if, like, you have a cause, go ahead, protest your cause. But on campus, it’s kind of annoying, because if they’re setting up all their stuff, it’s like, kind of gets in the way of our college life. I would keep that stuff off campus personally, but they don’t bother me,” UNF student Grace Ward said.
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The proposed rules also restrict protesting in parking lots, residential facilities, and anywhere that might disrupt or impede academic programs and activities.
“I think that protesting is a necessity in this country because there’s a lot of issues going on right now,” Ian Diaz, a freshman student, said.
The new regulation also states that any gathering with more than 50 people has to be approved by the administrators.
“I mean, people can get violent, so it’s probably a good thing,” UNF student Rami Rashid said.
The use of bullhorns or any device that amplifies sound is banned for any spontaneous event. And if they want to use it during a scheduled event, that must also be part of the request to school administrators.
UNF sent News4JAX a statement regarding the amended regulation under review.
The University is committed to and respects the First Amendment right of our campus community to protest, demonstrate and express differing viewpoints.
The proposed amendment provides details, clarification and guidance regarding UNF’s Freedom of Expression in Outdoor Areas of Campus regulation. This amended regulation does not expand or limit the University’s authority. The changes focus on providing clarity surrounding the University’s authority to enforce time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activity.
Here is a summary of changes:
-Providing a definition of “time, place, and manner” to provide clarity regarding the meaning and use of that term,
-Adding more detail to the non-exhaustive list of prohibited acts during freedom of expression activities,
-Providing a non-exhaustive list of prohibited items during freedom of expression activities,
-Clarifying the times during which the University has the resources to allow spontaneous expressive activity in the outdoor areas of campus,
-Providing further clarification regarding obligations to comply with directives of University officials and the process by which University officials handle disruptive activities
Amanda Ennis, UNF Media Relations Assistant Director
UNF’s Board of Trustees will consider these changes at their next meeting on Sept. 30.