Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order

Pursuant to Article 129-A of the New York Education Law (as amended), the New York State Legislature requires the trustees of all colleges and universities to adopt written rules for the maintenance of public order governing the conduct of students, faculty, staff, or other persons on college or university property. The Trustees of Barnard College do hereby adopt the following rules for the maintenance of public order on the Barnard campus and other College property, and do hereby authorize the President of the College to file a copy with the Regents and the Commissioner of Education by July 1, 2024 as mandated by section 6430 of the New York Education Law. These rules are designed to support compliance with existing law while reflecting existing procedures at the College.

I. Preamble

Barnard College is committed to our educational mission and protecting the rights of community members to perform their roles in support of the College’s mission. The College also recognizes the rights of members of the Barnard community, including students, faculty, and staff, to protest and register dissent, and particularly recognizes the protection of that right on the College campus and at College-sponsored events. At the same time, Barnard recognizes that the College’s four-acre campus is a home for most of our students. Therefore, in addition to recognizing the above rights, the College also embraces the responsibility of preserving space for students who seek refuge from debate or choose to limit their engagement in protest while they live on campus.

II. Rules

1. In recognition of the College’s values of freedom of speech and assembly, peaceful protest or demonstration by any member of the Barnard community, in or on College property, is permitted.
2. Protests or demonstrations must comply with all College policies, including time, place, and manner guidelines.
3. The following activities shall not be permitted and shall be considered violations of the Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order:
   • Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health.
   • Engaging in the practice of hazing, including, but not limited to, any action or situation involving the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate.
   • Use or threat of force or violence against any person, including but not limited to specific threats of violence on posters, banners, or signs.
   • Damaging of property, including but not limited to the defacing of property through graffiti, tagging, or similar means.
   • Prevention of the normal use or occupancy of any building owned or rented by the College or disruption of any normal College function through use of force or threat of force, physical obstruction, or noise.
   • Physical obstruction of, or the use of threat of force or violence to interfere with, the passage of any person about the College campus or through the entrance or exits of any College building or facility or the corridors thereof.
   • Entering of any private office or private room without the consent of the rightful occupant. o Unauthorized access to or use of personal property, including files and records.
   • Presence in or use of any College building or facility during the hours when such building or facility is officially closed, unless permission is secured from the President or her designee prior to such presence or use.
   • Interference with or disruption of the regular operations and activities of the College.
4. The use of grounds, facilities, and buildings rented or owned by the College is for members of the Barnard community and visitors by invitation. The College reserves the right to require evidence of any individual’s qualification to use or be in or on any grounds, facility, or building rented or owned by the College and to deny use thereof to anyone who is not a member of the Barnard community, or to eject anyone therefrom who is not complying with these rules.

III. Jurisdiction 

These Rules apply to the conduct of students, faculty, and other staff, as well as visitors and other licensees and invitees on the Barnard campus, on property owned, rented, or leased by the College and at College-sponsored off-campus programs, events, and/or activities.

IV. Penalties and Program of Enforcement

Any individual who is found to have violated these rules may be subject to ejection from the Barnard campus, other College property, and off-campus events sponsored by the College. Students, faculty, and staff also may be subject to suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate disciplinary action as shall be determined upon a prompt hearing and findings that follow the procedures specified in the following paragraph.

Alleged violations of these Rules by students are governed by the rules and procedures set forth in the Barnard College Student Code of Conduct. Alleged violations of these Rules by faculty shall be referred to the Faculty Governance and Procedures Committee for appropriate proceedings. Alleged violations of these Rules by staff members shall be referred to the Director of Human Resources for appropriate proceedings.

Any organization which is found to have violated these rules or authorized any violation of these rules may be subject to the rescission of said organization’s permission to operate on the Barnard Campus or any other College property. Student organizations are governed by the rules and procedures set forth in the Barnard College Student Code of Conduct.

The penalties described herein shall be in addition to any criminal or civil penalty pursuant to any penal or other law to which the violator or organization may be subject.

Revision History
Policy effective as of August 2011
Revised February 2018
Revised June 2024