Josh Shulruff has a unique role on campus. As the campus dialogue program manager, it is his responsibility to ensure students can exercise their First Amendment rights and do so safely within university policies and state law. Along with the Demonstration & Activity Resource Team (DART), Shulruff works with student organizers and activists from across the political spectrum to make sure their voices are heard and that they have access to public spaces for their expressive activities.

We asked him some questions about balancing the rights of students with the rules that govern campus and making sure everyone is safe.

How should organizations go about organizing a protest or gathering on campus?  

Utah State Law defines the outdoor spaces of public institutions of higher education to be “traditional public forum[s],” which means that speech that takes place on the U’s greens and plazas receives the highest protection from government interference. You don’t need a permit to protest outdoors at the U—Utah law also ensures that the public has the right to assemble spontaneously outdoors on campus—but there are good reasons to consider reserving an outdoor space.

You can reserve most campus spaces—like classrooms, other academic spaces and outdoor spots—through the Registrar’s Office. But if you want to make sure you’ve got the Union Plaza at lunchtime, just fill out the Make Your Change form or stop by (or call) the Union Scheduling Office. They’ll help you find a date and time that’s free—and they’ll even hook you up with a microphone and speakers for your event.

If you show up unannounced at an area that’s already been reserved, your group might be asked to leave. Booking a space also gives you a chance to connect with building managers and campus safety staff ahead of time, so you can talk through any concerns before things get busy or emotions run high. Plus, if you reserve the space, someone will make sure the sprinklers don’t turn on right in the middle of your rally.

What policies are in place to protect First Amendment rights on campus?

If you’re planning an action on campus, it’s important to know the University’s Speech Policy. For example:

• Marches and demonstrations need to stay peaceful and orderly—and you can’t block building entrances, sidewalks or roads.
• You’ll need a permit if you want to put up any kind of structure or camp overnight.
• Whatever you’re doing can’t unduly disrupt the university’s main work, like teaching classes, doing research or providing health care.
• You also can’t infringe on others’ rights to speech and assembly, which is why shouting down a guest speaker isn’t allowed.

What is DART and how can it help groups and organizations?

We can help with things like reserving spaces or applying for permits, and we can help students navigate laws, policy and the U’s bureaucracy. Our team includes faculty, staff and students, and conversations can be kept confidential if you prefer (with important exceptions related to discrimination, harassment, violence and property damage). We can even speak with activists considering civil disobedience to ensure that everyone is fully informed about the risks they’re taking.

And, if you’re a member of the community who’s passionate about promoting and protecting student speech, we’re recruiting additional DART members. Please reach out about joining the team. Just send us an email at dart@utah.edu!

This summer, the “No Kings” protests raised questions about firearms at protests. Is that a concern on campus?

A community group hosted a “No Kings” protest on campus without incident. However, the shooting at the protest downtown did raise concerns and focused attention on Utah’s firearms laws. Recent changes to those laws mean that adults with a Utah Concealed Carry Permit may now carry firearms on campus. Firearms are permitted in dorm rooms, and students who do not wish to have a firearm in their space may request a room reassignment. We have to find a way to talk to each other about this, but it’s one of the most politically charged topics, and it’s hard to start the conversation with a roommate or professor. So we’ve decided to host this year’s first Brave Conversation on the topic of “Guns on Campus.”

Brave Conversations are carefully structured and facilitated discussions of controversial topics. They’re not about trying to change anyone’s mind—we host them so that we can better understand one another and communicate with one another even though we have differences. There’s always a free meal, and they’re open to all students, faculty and staff. Please join us on Sept. 2.