Distribution of Temporary Information through Publications, Banners or Chalking

Policy Statement

The University of Minnesota supports freedom of speech while providing guidance on the distribution of publications, banners, or chalking.  This policy aims to:

• ensure safety,
• safeguard entrances and exits to and from University facilities,
• provide clear and consistent directional signage,
• minimize disruption of the educational mission, and
• minimize litter and reduce clutter on University properties and campuses.

Material may not be distributed within 25 feet of exterior facility entrances (excluding Rochester campus).

Freedom of Speech Statement

Freedom of speech is a guaranteed right under the U.S. Constitution and a core value of the University. To sustain an open exchange of ideas, the University community is asked to be tolerant of differing points of view and respect the rights of others to express themselves. Any member of the University community who finds posted or distributed materials to be offensive or disrespectful is encouraged to contact their campus resource (see Appendix.)

Persons or groups distributing information are prohibited from:

• coercing of others by demands, threats, or other means to accept publications;
• interfering with or impeding the normal flow of either vehicular or pedestrian traffic on campus; or
• interfering with, disrupting, or otherwise advocating disruption or violation of any other lawful activity of any other person(s).

Removal

Facility managers (facilities management staff, department facility representatives) will remove materials that violate law, regulation, or University policy. Individuals, sponsoring organizations, or groups responsible for these materials may be charged the cost of removal and any associated repairs.

Campus-Specific Requirements

Each campus has varying guidelines and requirements for postings, chalking, publication distribution, banners, sign standards, and promotional signage.  See the campus-specific Appendix for a complete listing of requirements that must be followed.

Reason for Policy

To implement Board of Regents Policies: Property and Facility Use and Historic Preservation, and Administrative Policy:  Use and Lease of Real Estate. This policy provides for and defines orderly distribution of non-official University communications, and to define the allowable parameters and procedures for distributing publications, creating and/or installing banners and signs and chalking at the University.

Procedures

Forms/Instructions

Appendices

Frequently Asked Questions

Contacts

Definitions

Banners

Written or printed stationary matter with a visual impact and a size equal to or greater than 14 x 22 inches.

Chalking

Use of sidewalk chalk used to advertise campus events on pavement or cement sidewalks.

Posters

Posters, flyers, signs, electronic messaging, QR codes, and other written or printed stationery material that is smaller than 14 X 22 inches.

Publications

For the purposes of this policy, refers to any printed matter (such as newspapers, posters, flyers, signs, and other written or printed matter) designed for sale, distribution, posting, or communication of information through print media; other than those resulting from the transaction of official University business and academic activity.

Signage

Used to inform, direct, identify, or regulate. The University signage system provides consistent size, graphic format, and configuration to assist the viewer in obtaining information quickly and in an orderly progression. The consistent use of common design elements help to identify the facility as being part of the University of Minnesota system. The sign standards have been developed to assist architects, engineers, other design professionals, contractors and U of M staff in understanding the preferences of the U of M in the development, maintenance and repair of facilities.

Responsibilities

Distributor of Publications

Follow procedures for type of publication distribution. Ensure publication, as defined above, contains the name of the sponsoring organization. Remove outdated material.

Facilities Management or Plant Services

Assign space in buildings for distributing publications by bin or racks. Maintain list of staff responsible for managing for individual buildings/properties. Report violations of this policy to local system campus administration and the Office of the Vice President for University Services.

Facility Managers

Be familiar with their campus-specific requirements.  Remove materials that violate law, regulation, or University policy.

University Property/Facility/District Manager

Establish distribution free zones. Monitor building for compliance with policy. Report policy violation to Facility Management/ Plant Services on campus and/or rectify compliance.

Related Information

Board of Regents Policies

• Property and Facility Use
• Health and Safety
• Historic Preservation
• Disability Services
• Direct Sale of Goods and Services

Administrative Policies

• Use and Lease of Real Estate
• Selling Goods and Services to External Customers
• Using and Leasing University Outdoor Space: Twin Cities
• Appendix:  Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

History

Amended:

June 2018 - Comprehensive Review. Minor Revisions. Policy title changed to add the word “Temporary”. Changes include the reorganization of materials from the procedures into campus-specific appendices. Adding new appendix for reporting disrespectful information. The content of the policy and its standards / requirements are unchanged except for minor formatting corrections and edits for clarity.

Amended:

October 2012 - Comprehensive Review, Minor Revision. Added procedure to cover chalking and added contacts for all campuses.

Amended:

September 2008 - Policy statement now addresses handout distribution. Freedom of Speech statement and Exclusions added to policy statement. Reason for Policy expanded. Contacts for questions pertaining to individual buildings added. Additional responsibilities definitions and frequently asked questions.

Amended:

August 2003 - Added New Procedure: Installing Banners.

Effective:

March 2000