Freedom of Expression
Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Freedom of Expression at Coppin State University
Coppin State University (CSU) protects the right to free speech and the open exchange of ideas for students, faculty, staff, and visitors—consistent with the First Amendment and University policy. Expression is welcome, and reasonable time, place, and manner rules keep campus safe, accessible, and focused on learning.
Designated Free Expression Areas (Outdoors)
Organized outdoor expression should take place in these three public, high-visibility locations. Keep entrances, walkways, and emergency routes clear at all times.
Campus Square (The Quad) – central green for rallies, speeches, and displays.
Campus Commons – high-traffic area near student-facing buildings; ideal for tabling and small gatherings.
Hours for University-affiliated spontaneous use: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
Time, Place & Manner (TPM) — What to Know
Time
Free Expression Areas are available 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday for University-affiliated speakers (see “Welcoming and Free Expression Areas”). Larger/after-hours use should be coordinated (see “How to Reserve or Notify”).
Spontaneous expression (prompted by events within the last 48 hours and not planned more than 24 hours in advance) is permitted in open, publicly accessible outdoor areas, if it follows all TPM rules and involves fewer than 10 people. If it reaches 10 or more, provide immediate notice to Events & Conference Services (ECS) during business hours or to Campus Police after hours.
Place
Use South Quad, Campus Square, or Campus Commons for organized expression.
Do not obstruct building entrances/exits, pedestrian paths, or vehicular routes.
Indoor expression (classrooms, offices, residence halls) requires authorization.
Manner
Do not significantly disrupt classes, operations, or scheduled campus events.
Crowds must not exceed what a location can safely contain; University Police may act for safety.
No tents/shelters and no open flames (handheld candles only with special permission from the Chief of Police); do not affix signs to buildings/trees/structures.
Amplified sound (PA/loudspeakers) requires prior University approval.
Materials & cleanup: Post only where permitted/approved; remove all signs/materials and restore the area to its prior condition after your event. Organizers may be held financially responsible for damage or cleanup
Distribution of Materials (Handbills/Flyers)
Non-commercial literature may be distributed person-to-person in open outdoor areas.
No forced or coerced distribution: You may offer materials, but you may not pressure or physically compel anyone to accept them.
Remove leftover materials and litter after your activity.
Rules for Non-University Affiliates (Visitors/Outside Groups)
Access is limited to the three Free Expression Areas (Campus Square and Campus Commons) 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., with a reservation and written approval.
Submit reservation requests through Events & Conference Services (see Contacts).
Non-affiliates must comply with all TPM rules. They may be required to provide insurance and cover applicable facility/security costs.
Non-affiliates are not permitted to engage in expressive activity elsewhere on campus grounds and may not solicit or distribute inside buildings or residence halls
What’s Not Allowed
Harmful or hateful conduct: Expression or behavior that includes threats, targeted harassment, or incitement of violence is prohibited and may be subject to University action. (Content-neutral enforcement applies; safety takes precedence.)
Forced distribution of materials is prohibited.
Obstruction of entrances/exits or traffic (pedestrian/vehicular).
Unauthorized structures/open flames; affixing items to buildings/trees/structures.
Damage/litter: Organizers may be held financially responsible; items left behind may be removed.
How to Reserve or Notify
Events & Conference Services (ECS) — reservations for Free Expression Areas; amplified sound requests; set-ups and coordination.
(410) 951-3838 • ecs@coppin.edu
Campus Police/Public Safety — notice for large or after-hours/weekend gatherings; safety coordination.
(410) 951-3900
Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards — policy questions, complaints, incident follow-up.
(410) 951-3017 • studentconduct@coppin.edu
ECS will confirm or deny reservation requests (content-neutral) and provide reasons for any denial; denials can be appealed to the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are strongly encouraged to avoid conflicts. Larger or after-hours events require advance coordination; spontaneous activity is allowed within the limits above
Yes, with prior approval through Events & Conference Services.
Yes—by reservation only, limited to South Quad, Campus Square, and Campus Commons (8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.), and subject to TPM and any additional conditions.
Yes—voluntary, person-to-person only. No coercion; clean up afterwards.
CSU enforces rules without regard to viewpoint. University personnel may not restrict expression because of its content; they may take necessary steps to ensure safety while allowing the activity to continue.