On-Campus Protest Considerations

Facilitating a movement for change requires strategic planning and assessment. Please consider some of the following guidance.

Assembly Considerations

To maximize a movement's impact, proactively anticipate challenges and organize around clearly established goals and tactics.

  • Goal Setting
    • Decide on the desired outcome of the movement and specific demonstration tactic
    • Identify a method for measuring success
    • Craft specific policy asks focused on social change
    • Consider the accessibility of your message
    • Identify audiences and stakeholders
    • Select the best methods for achieving your goal including in-person and virtual actions
  • Logistic Considerations
    • Time & location
    • Space reservations
    • Occurrence of other events (counter protest, athletic events, etc.)
    • Signage
    • Delegation of tasks
    • Group needs (water, snacks, emotional support, etc.)
  • Communication Plan
    • Consider reviewing logistics, KU policies, goals, and behavior expectations with all participants
  • Establish how participants will be contacted with updates
  • Social Media Presence
    • Share your mission, demonstration logistics, contact information, accurate news, useful graphics, and policy asks
    • Consider multiple platforms
    • Ask others to endorse your campaign
    • Judge the accessibility of your message
    • Consider others’ privacy when sharing photos
    • Establish a procedure and be thoughtful when responding to counter-comments
  • Engaging in Dialogue
    • Analyze your intent and desired impact
    • Practice engaged listening tactics such as repeating phrases and asking questions to understand
    • Critically evaluate your own beliefs
    • Think about inviting a neutral third party to mediate a conversation
    • Consult Student Conduct and Community Standards for assistance with restorative practices and conflict resolution support

Failing to consider participants’ safety jeopardizes the integrity of a movement. Please consider safety in all stages of demonstration planning and implementation, including naming proper behaviors, locations, and crowd movement.

  • Expectation Setting
  • Identify and Mitigate Potential Safety Risks
    • Streets and traffic flow
    • Confrontations with counter-protesters
    • Consider mental, physical, and emotional risks
    • Identify on and off campus resources
  • During the Protest
    • Stay aware of your surroundings
    • Practice caution when sharing photos of others
    • Listen to KU staff and law enforcement

Consider the immediate event and long-term impact. To avoid burnout, create a broad base of support.

  • Consider other forms of action
  • Prioritize your health
    • Practice healthy communication
    • Establish personal boundaries
  • Report concerns
  • Reflect on your progress

A Note on Mental Preparation and Self Care

Advocacy work sometimes induces strong emotions from participants. In addition to logistical planning considerations, a successful movement enables participants to proactively plan for the emotional aspects of demonstrating. Learn more about mental health resources on campus and in the community.

Freedom of Expression Acknowledgement: Nothing herein shall be construed in a manner that would result in a conflict with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other relevant federal or state laws or regulations concerning freedom of speech or expression. This policy incorporates by reference the principles set forth in the KBOR Statement on Free Expression, and shall be construed in a manner consistent therewith, along with KBOR’s policy on the Use of Campus Grounds and Facilities. Nothing herein, or in any other University policy or rule, shall be deemed to discourage students, faculty, or staff from hearing diverse points of view from speakers and programs sponsored by the University or recognized student, faculty, or employee organizations. Further, with regard to any regulation or restriction of protected speech or expression, this and all other University policies or rules are intended to be content-neutral and limited to narrowly drawn time, place and manner restrictions that are consistent with established principles of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and shall be construed accordingly.