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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) \u2014 The University at Buffalo released drafts of its new policies on protests, postings and encampments on campus ahead of the fall semester, the university announced Thursday.<\/p>\n
The drafts of its new \u201ctime, place and manner policies\u201d come after students took to UB\u2019s North Campus in May to hold pro-Palestine protests, calling for ceasefire and UB\u2019s divestment from Israel<\/a>, as well as protests calling for the release of hostages<\/a>, amid the Israel-Hamas War.<\/p>\n UB started a 30-day comment and review period for both new and revised policies. The drafts have been shared with the university\u2019s policy review group, faculty senate and students representing the Student Association and Graduate Student Association, UB said in a UBNow article<\/a>.<\/p>\n Postings, such as flyers, leaflets, projections, letters, and more, are only allowed to be posted on \u201cgeneral-use bulletin boards,\u201d the draft said. It stated that postings on doors, windows, trees, light poles, bus stops, vehicles, walls, and in elevators, are prohibited. \u201cChalking\u201d on buildings, sidewalks and roadways is also not allowed.<\/p>\n Students who want to post on bulletin boards for certain departments, offices or organizations have to get permission from that group, UB said. UB would have the authority to remove postings if the rules aren\u2019t followed.<\/p>\n Students caught in the middle of protest at UB North speak out <\/a><\/p>\n Under the \u201cassembling\u201d policy draft, protests can\u2019t interfere with building entrances, the privacy of university housing, offices or pedestrian and vehicular traffic, UB said. Outdoor assemblies in public spaces are allowed, but protests can\u2019t disturb classes, events and meetings, according to the draft.<\/p>\n \u201cAmplification equipment\u201d during protests is also prohibited.<\/p>\n The draft removed language on specific time limits for \u201cassemblies or demonstrations,\u201d UB said.<\/p>\n As in the previous policy, encampments or any type of camping is still \u201cstrictly prohibited,\u201d besides in residence halls and apartments, the draft said.<\/p>\n The university also said it \u201cmust remain viewpoint neutral,\u201d even if the viewpoints contradict their own.<\/p>\n Police make 15 arrests during protest at UB North <\/a><\/p>\n Along with its protesting policy drafts, UB is discussing the development of a new policy related to the use of outside law enforcement agencies. A draft policy also will be shared and reviewed with its policy group and university community, UB said.<\/p>\n The draft policies are open to additional revisions that can be suggested at the end of the comment and review period, UB said.<\/p>\n The university encourages feedback from its community during the 30-day comment period. For more information on the new policies, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/i><\/p>\nLatest Local News<\/h2>\n