Faculty and Students Push Back Against IU’s Restrictive Expressive Activity Policy
During the first week of Indiana University’s fall semester, the new expressive activity policy was swiftly enforced as at least two individuals were reported to university conduct offices for participating in a candlelight vigil that violated the policy. The vigil, held at 11:30 p.m. at the Sample Gates, was intentionally scheduled to challenge the policy, which restricts protests, assemblies, and other forms of expressive activity to between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Associate Professor Ben Robinson and graduate student Bryce Greene were among those referred to administrative officials for their participation in the event, which attracted around 40 attendees. The vigil aimed to highlight concerns over what critics describe as a “draconian” policy that could severely limit free speech on campus.
Criticism of the policy extends beyond this incident. Faculty members argue that the policy’s broad wording could stifle protected speech, raising concerns about its application to various activities, from late-night religious observances to post-game celebrations. Despite the backlash, Indiana University officials have yet to comment on individual misconduct cases related to the policy.
As the academic year progresses, the campus community appears poised to continue challenging the policy, with many stakeholders committed to defending their rights to free expression.
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