Universities across the country responded to pro-Palestine encampments and protests in a variety of ways this summer. 

In July, Indiana University implemented an Expressive Activities Policy, joining schools like the University of Pennsylvania and University of Southern Florida in creating new restrictions for protest on campus. 

The policy – technically called UA-10 - introduces a clear ban on camping, which effectively outlaws the Liberated Zone in Dunn Meadow. It also prohibits expressive activity within 25 feet of the entrance to any building or parking lot and between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.  

Indiana University Board of Trustees chair Quinn Buckner introduced the final version of the policy at the July 29 meeting. A group of pro-Gaza demonstrators from Dunn Meadow sat quietly in the audience carrying protest signs.  

Buckner said the policy was necessary to keep the university nimble in light of “an environment that has changed dramatically in the last 10 years.” He said the issue is student safety.  

Some students and faculty have criticized the policy, saying it will limit the right to peaceful protest and restrict other benign activities.  Others supported it but asked for changes before it passed.  

This week on Noon Edition, we’ll talk with experts on freedom of speech, policy, and higher education about policies about assembly and protest on college campuses. 

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Guests

Laura Beltz, Director of Policy Reform Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression  

Robert Cohen, Professor of Social Studies, Steinhardt Affiliated Professor, History Department New York University 

Steve Sanders, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor of Law and Val Nolan Faculty Fellow, Adjunct Professor, Department of Political Science, Affiliated Faculty, Department of Gender Studies and The Kinsey Institute