Most campus demonstrations such as marches, meetings, picketing and/or rallies will be peaceful and non-obstructive. Demonstrations will be conducted at the “Free Speech” areas located at the PE Building’s Front Entrance Grassed area OR at the Student Center’s Campus Green Entrance Grassed area. In the event the “Free Speech” area is not available, alternate locations will be identified by the Chief of Public Safety in consultation with the Director of Plant Operations. Demonstrations will not be disrupted unless one or more of the following conditions exist:
- INTERFERENCE with normal College operations,
- PREVENTION of access to offices, buildings, or other College facilities,
- THREAT of physical harm to persons or damage to College grounds or facilities.
If any of these conditions exist, immediately contact Public Safety. Public Safety will notify the President depending on the nature of the demonstration; the appropriate procedures listed below should be followed:
1. Peaceful, Non-obstructive Demonstration
- Generally demonstrations of this kind will not be interrupted. The demonstrations will not be obstructed or provoked and efforts should be made to continue normal College operations.
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If demonstrators are asked to leave but refuse to leave by regular facility closing time(s):
- Arrangements will be made by Public Safety to monitor the situation during non-business hours, OR,
- Determination will be made to treat the violation of regular closing hours as a disruptive demonstration (see #2).
2. Non-violent, Disruptive Demonstrations
In the event that a demonstration blocks access to College facilities or interferes with the College operations:
- Demonstrators will be asked to terminate the disruptive activity by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or the President,
- The Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services or President will have a photographer and/ or videographer with them to document the proceedings.
- Key College personnel and student leaders may be asked to go to the areas to persuade the demonstrators to desist.
- The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or President will go to the area and ask the demonstrators to leave or to discontinue the disruptive activities.
- If the demonstrators persist in the disruptive activity, they will be advised that failure to discontinue within a determined length of time may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion or possible intervention by Public Safety. Except in extreme emergencies, the President will be consulted before such disciplinary actions are taken.
- Efforts should be made to secure positive identification, including photographs, of demonstrators in violation for later testimony.
- Public Safety will be consulted to determine the need for an injunction of civil authorities.
- If court injunction is obtained, the demonstrators will be so informed. Those demonstrators who refuse to comply will be warned of the intention to arrest.
3. Violent Disruptive Demonstrations
In the event that a violent demonstration, one in which injury to persons or property occurs or appears eminent, the President will be immediately notified.
a. During Regular Operational Hours
- The Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services and necessary Public Safety personnel will be summoned to the scene,
- Public Safety will ensure sufficient officers are present to contain the violent/disruptive demonstrators. Should an insufficient number of officers be available, assistance will be requested from the Swainsboro Police Department, and Emanuel County Sheriffs Office as needed.
b. After Regular Operational Hours
- Public Safety should be immediately notified of the demonstration,
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The President will be notified and determine the following actions to be taken:
- Notify Emergency Response Committee members,
- Determine if the Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services shall respond to the scene.
- Public Safety will ensure sufficient officers are present to contain the violent/disruptive demonstrators. Should an insufficient number of officers be available, assistance will be requested from the Swainsboro Police Department, and Emanuel County Sheriffs Office as needed.
NOTE: The Chief of Public Safety or on-duty Security officer will respond to the incident without counsel from others if an immediate response is of paramount importance to the safety and security of persons and/or property.
NOTE: The Chief of Campus Security or on-duty Security officer will respond to the incident without counsel from others if an immediate response is of paramount importance to the safety and security of persons and/or property.