It is the policy of BSU to encourage free inquiry into and free expression of ideas. However,
individual rights and effective operation of public facilities need to be protected and maintained.
Therefore, political activity, as defined below, is permitted on campus subject to reasonable
regulation of time, place and manner. No individual or group following reasonable regulations
of such activity will be denied access to University facilities.
"Political activity" means action by a person or persons promoting the candidacy of an individual
or group of individuals or favoring a particular position on a public issue. Such activity may
include:
Distribution of political literature including handbills, cards, buttons and pamphlets;
Requests to sign petitions;
Discussions of candidates or issues.
Use of available public areas in University facilities for political activity is encouraged and
must be scheduled with the appropriate director of the Building or area involved.
Political activity is not permitted in classrooms, laboratories, research space or offices, except as
a part of a scheduled class activity under the direction of a faculty member responsible for the
class.
Political activity is restricted in living areas within the residence halls except as allowed by the
Fair Campaign Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Section 210A.43) which allows candidates
for political office to canvass on a door-to-door basis.
No political literature will be distributed in the residence halls through the student mailboxes
unless each piece is addressed specifically to the name of the individual or to "occupant". The
room number must also be included in the address.
Individuals or groups engaged in political activity located in such a way as to impede the
normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic will be asked and required to move to another
location.
No person or group shall have the right to place political signs, posters, banners or similar material
on or in University property. Political student organizations which are recognized under the
appropriate University regulations may post signs announcing meetings of the organization.
Signs may be placed upon motor vehicles owned and/or operated by persons placing the signs
thereon. However, such vehicles must be operated and parked in accordance with University
traffic regulations.
The use of sound trucks or other sound amplification equipment is prohibited on University
property except when special permission has been given in accordance with University policy
and guidelines for a scheduled event.