Frequently Asked Questions

At UB, freedom of speech and expression are central tenets of the university.

As a public institution dedicated to upholding the First Amendment, UB recognizes the fundamental right to express differing viewpoints and respects the right to peacefully assemble and protest. The university is also committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming, orderly and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

To that end, in preparation for the start of the 2024-25 academic year, UB, through guidance from the SUNY Office of General Counsel, has drafted clarifying time, place and manner operational language for UB’s assembling and camping policies and has drafted a new posting policy.

For example, the clarifying draft assembly policy emphasizes that assembling must not violate the provisions of the Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order of the SUNY Board of Trustees. Additionally, the university has clarified its camping policy reiterating UB’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment and explicitly prohibiting encampments or camping of any form. UB has also proposed new rules for posting flyers on campus.

Read More: UB extends comment period on time, place and manner policies until Oct. 14
 
In the interim, the updated and clarified policies—alongside the Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order of the SUNY Board of Trustees—will serve as time, place and manner guidance for the university.

The following is a short Q&A addressing some of the proposed changes and clarifications:

Frequently Asked Questions about Free Speech on Campus

Overview

Controversial Speakers

Political Activity and Speech on Campus

Assemblies and Demonstrations

Paint A Bull