ÌÇÐÄVlog

If I want to hold an assembly or protest on the campus, who do I need to contact?

Contact Event Services at eventservices@uwec.edu to inquire about space availability for your event. Public assemblies, demonstrations, or protests may use campus grounds but should confirm the space is available on the date/time they request to avoid conflicts with already-scheduled university events. You should inform Event Services if you would like to use amplified sound during your event, as using amplified sound requires prior authorization from the university administration per .

Event organizers should also contact the University Police at police@uwec.edu to ensure safety for event participants and other university 
faculty, staff, and students.

Does the university decide what individuals or groups may hold assemblies or protests on campus based on the viewpoint they are expressing?

No. The ÌÇÐÄVloge has the responsibility as a public institution to be open to all ideological perspectives in accordance with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I of the Wisconsin Constitution. The university adheres to the principles enumerated in when making decisions about freedom of expression. 

Why does the UW-Eau Claire Police Department have officers present at campus assemblies?

ÌÇÐÄVlog police officers may attend campus assemblies to ensure the event is not disrupted. The UW System is committed to academic freedom and free expression, and police are trained in de-escalation tactics to intervene only if an individual or group is attempting to silence another. The police also assist in ensuring campus buildings and lands are accessible, as required by . 

I’m worried a protest might make it difficult for me to get to class or enter campus buildings. What can the university do to prevent that?

The university’s primary mission is to provide education, research, and public service, and events or individuals that interfere with the campus’s mission can be declared unlawful. includes various requirements for non-academic use of the university’s lands, including that:

• Assemblies cannot block access to buildings entrances or portions of University grounds; intentionally disrupt university activities; use force or violence, or intentionally threaten force or violence, against any member of the university community
• Noise levels that are disruptive to the university’s mission are not allowed
• No person can ignore university authorized security measures, use unauthorized sound amplifying equipment, or commit acts of vandalism

Events that intentionally violate these requirements may be declared unlawful, and individuals who continue an unlawful assembly after it has been declared unlawful may be  subject to arrest, per and liable to the penalties of .