Hood College implements new freedom of expression policy

By Amrit Brown

Hood College has implemented a new freedom of expression policy effective Aug. 1.

Although this change comes in the wake of protests at Hood and across the country, Vice President for Marketing Laurie Ward says that the policy was already in the works before these events. “This policy was a working document well before the events of last fall and had no direct correlation, meaning it was not drafted in response to the walkouts or protests,” she said.

Changes to freedom of expression policies have been common throughout the country heading into this semester. Many of these policies include limitations on when and where students can protest.

The Hood College policy includes specific rules regarding students’ ability to protest on campus. Under this policy, Hood College reserves the right to determine the “time, place and manner of any demonstration or protest.”

Certain locations on campus are off-limits for protests. These venues include inside any Hood College building, the Pergola and in the front and beside Alumnae Hall. The policy relating to the Pergola states, “Because the Pergola traditionally represents a place of unity and peace, demonstrations or protests (even when it is a call for peace) cannot be held inside the Pergola.”

Notably, the policy places two significant locations from last year’s protests over the war in Israel and Gaza off limits. One protest began in the Pergola, held speeches in front of Alumnae Hall and ended in front of the Chapel.

The policy includes this disclaimer: “It is understood that some protests are unplanned and come together organically. Behavior must be fully consistent with all the criteria of this policy.”

The policy also includes limitations on political events on campus. All political events must have an on-campus sponsor and be approved by the Office of Conference and Event Services. The events must also be scheduled to cause the least disruption to classes and campus activities.

Both political events and protests planned on campus must provide a statement that says the views presented do not reflect the views of Hood College.