Section 40. Demonstrations not scheduled in advance

Although all student organizations, ad hoc student groups, or nonstudent groups are urged to contact the assigned university official (see 8VAC90-30-30) to discuss a date, time, and location in advance of the demonstration, it is recognized that there will be rare occasions when this does not occur.

Demonstrations on property under the jurisdiction of the City of Richmond, such as sidewalks and Monroe Park, shall meet the requirements of the city and are under the jurisdiction of the Richmond Police Department. Any spontaneous or unscheduled demonstration which occurs on the campuses of Virginia Commonwealth University is subject to the following:

1. The assigned university official or designee will, upon learning of the presence of a spontaneous demonstration, report to the scene of the demonstration and make contact with the apparent leader of the demonstration or with a representative group from the demonstration. The VCU Police, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, and the Assistant Vice President for University Relations will be notified of the presence of the demonstration by the assigned university official or designee.

2. If the demonstration is not in one of the preferred locations (see subdivision 1 of 8VAC90-30-30), the group participating in the demonstration will be asked by the assigned university official to move to one of these locations. If the group refuses to move, the demonstrators may be allowed to continue at the location, providing the demonstration is being conducted within the intent of the definition of "orderly" as described in 8VAC90-30-20.

3. The assigned university official will monitor the demonstration.

4. The assigned university official will contact the demonstration leader during the demonstration if problems arise:

a. If the demonstration ceases to be orderly, the demonstration leader will be informed by the assigned university official that the VCU Police will be called to the scene if the disorderly behavior does not cease.

b. If the demonstration causes inconvenience, the demonstration leader will be informed by the assigned university official that the VCU Police will be called to end the demonstration if the behavior causing the inconvenience does not cease.

c. If the demonstration causes disruption, the demonstration leader will be informed by the staff liaison that those persons responsible for the disruption will be subject to arrest by the VCU Police.

d. If the demonstration causes destruction, the demonstration leader will be informed by the assigned university official that those persons responsible for the destruction will be subject to arrest by the VCU Police.

5. The assigned university official will bring charges against individuals and organizations under applicable university policies and procedures in the event a demonstration causes disruption or destruction.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR649-01-03 § 4, eff. February 16, 1995.

Statutory Authority

§ 23-50.10 of the Code of Virginia.