Community Assembly

Assembly Policy

Saint Mary’s College student assembly policy is rooted in our Lassallian principles including quality education, inclusive community, and respect for all persons. Robust dialogue and exchange of perspectives are central to an educational environment committed to the active pursuit of truth, understanding, and the dignity of all. For the purpose of this policy, an assembly is defined as two or more individuals that congregate on campus with the desire or intent of exercising freedom of expression and speech.  

The College acknowledges the right of Saint Mary’s community members to express views individually and collectively in matters concerning institutional policy and/or the local or global communities. College policies regarding the time, place, and manner of speech and of expression ensure that the College can carry on its ordinary activities. The College may also restrict speech or expression that breaks the law, violates College policies or codes of conduct, or is otherwise directly incompatible with the safety of the community or the functioning of the College.

As such, all public assemblies are expected to adhere to the following guidelines :

1. It does not threaten, disrupt, or impair the regular or essential operations of the College, especially those of an academic or administrative nature.   

2. Participants do not restrict the freedom of expression, of movement, or any other fundamental freedom of others.

3. Participants do not threaten or cause personal injury, damage, or destruction of property.

4. The event or material distributed does not include any form of hate speech or advocate behavior that encourages the violation of the student code, and/or local, state, or federal law.

Notification of the gathering with Student Involvement and Leadership (SIL) or a sponsoring department, along with proper space reservations made through Meetings, Events, & Conference Services (MECS), is strongly recommended so that those departments and individuals can offer support and assistance with planning.