Preparing for Expressive Activities

Communication with Expressive Activity Participants and Event Organizers

While the university recognizes that permitting impromptu and spontaneous assembly for the purpose of expression, protest, and dissent is consistent with its commitment to freedom of expression—understanding that the university may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on such impromptu expressive activities—whenever possible, it encourages demonstration organizers to consult with university officials in advance of the event.

With effective communication among event organizers, expressive activity participants, and university administration, disruptions can sometimes be avoided, and events and expressive activities can occur peacefully without any police or other official intervention.

The goals of a pre-event planning meeting are:

• to share information, including, for example, whether a space has previously been reserved so that all parties are informed of the plans for the event or demonstration;
• to explore options to improve safety for all parties; 
• to review university policies and procedures; and
• to set clear expectations on conduct and response.

Individuals and groups consulting with the university should not expect confidentiality about their plans. Throughout pre-event planning, the university can clarify what additional resources are needed and the associated costs.

GW event planning and advising staff are available to meet in advance with groups organizing expressive activities to learn more about the issues at hand and suggest routes for the resolution of potential issues. University administration may also ask questions or propose adjustments that can facilitate the expressive activity while maintaining safety.

The GW Police Department may work with expressive activity organizers and a staff member from the Division for Student Affairs to conduct a viewpoint-neutral security assessment. A security assessment may be warranted for any event (without regard to size) where there is a possibility or likelihood that behaviors (of the organizers or those who might respond to them) will become disruptive.

GWPD may contact expressive activity organizers if the security assessment reveals specific security or disruption issues. During the ongoing assessment, the organizers and the university should work together to address the concerns.

A security assessment may include a walk-through of the potential site to assess location feasibility. In some instances, a walk-through may reveal changes necessary for the safety of participants.

If the security assessment process indicates that the venue is not suitable for the expected expressive activity or if it reveals other safety concerns:

• alternate sites may be made available;
• other safety conditions may be imposed;
• the event may be modified or postponed; and/or
• the event may be referred for other actions.

To the greatest extent possible, the university will notify faculty whose classes may be impacted by an organized expressive activity.

Expressive Activities Plan

Before the event, GW requests that those who participate in the planning or convening of an expressive activity:

• Notify GWPD of the event and potential expressive activities.
• Work in advance with GWPD and the Division for Student Affairs staff to describe the plans for expressive activity and to understand the participants’ responsibilities.
• Cooperate with the GWPD security assessment.
• Develop a collaborative plan and clear parameters (e.g., ticketed entry, signs, assigned moderator, audience participation, etc.) with the university to help protect the safety of others and to ensure the expressive activity does not violate laws or university policy.
• Meet in advance with any participants to explain university expectations and the potential consequences for violating laws or policies.

During the event, GW requires that those who participate in the planning or convening of an expressive activity:

• Participate in such a way that does not disrupt the normal academic or administrative operations of the university.
• Participate in such a way that does not disrupt the free expression of others.
• Participate in such a way that does not threaten public safety.
• Address participants who violate shared expectations for the expressive activity.
  • If disruptive behavior occurs at an event, the event organizer should ask the person to cease.
  • To prevent escalation, issuing a warning before action is taken can be useful but is not a required step.
  • If the disruptive behavior continues, a Designated Official may be called upon to assist. If a Designated Official is not available, the event organizer may contact GWPD.
  • If a Designated Official is not available to assist, the event organizers should document the disruptive behavior with pictures, videos, and witnesses and submit it to GWPD and the Division for Student Affairs.
  • If disruptive behavior occurs while an event is being live-streamed by the university itself, the event organizer may have the audiovisual technician pause the audio and video feed until the program resumes.
    • If it is determined that the program will not continue because of prolonged interruption, the audiovisual technician will cease the live-stream broadcast.

After the event, GW requires that those who participate in the planning or convening of an expressive activity:

• Cooperate with an After-Action Review with the Division for Student Affairs.