Campus Policies Reminders from the Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dear students,
As you know, a number of university campuses have been experiencing disruptions in recent days. As a follow up to my message yesterday, I’m writing to provide a reminder of Stanford’s approach to these issues.
The university supports and encourages the exercise of your right to peaceful expression in a manner consistent with campus policies. White Plaza is a designated free-speech area reservable by Stanford-recognized student organizations. Our White Plaza policies allow for tabling in the area between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and provide a process and parameters for doing so.
Stanford’s Policy on Campus Disruptions prohibits the disruption of classes, university events, and the conduct of university business, as well as the obstruction of others’ movement about the campus. In addition, university policy prohibits overnight camping, limits the use of amplified sound, and prescribes permitted uses of the Main Quad.
These policies are important to supporting the academic and scholarly activities on our campus and to supporting the safety of students, faculty, and staff. I want to underscore that the university intends to respond expeditiously when violations of policies occur. Campus disruptions, overnight camping, use of tents or other unapproved structures, and other violations will result in referrals to the Office of Community Standards (OCS) student conduct process and could also result in arrest if laws are violated. For those nearing the end of their time at Stanford, the initiation of an OCS proceeding at this time of year may inhibit the timely conferral of a diploma.
We recognize and respect the diverse viewpoints in our community. Stanford continues to encourage reasoned discussion of contentious issues, with respect for the rights of others. I appreciate the many ways in which this has been occurring on our campus, and I wish you the best for the remaining weeks of our spring quarter.
Sincerely,
C. Matthew Snipp
Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs
