General Statement on Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities

The university commits itself to guaranteeing its students the rights discussed in the following paragraphs, insofar as 1) they do not contradict either state or federal statutes, all of which are binding upon IUP as a state-owned and operated institution, and 2) they are not incompatible with the instructor's freedom to teach.

1. Freedom of Access to Higher Education
   All facilities and services at IUP are extended equally to all enrolled students, regardless of race, religious creed, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, or physical challenges.  In addition, the university seeks to guarantee all its students equal access to public facilities within the community.  IUP will not condone discrimination of any kind directed toward its students.
    

2. Freedom of Expression
   The faculty has an obligation to encourage free inquiry and expression, and students should be permitted rational and orderly disagreement with data and views expressed in or out of the classroom.  The student, however, has an equal obligation to be responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which he or she is enrolled.  The university should provide reliable mechanisms to protect the student against prejudiced or capricious evaluation of academic work, the latter functioning as the sole basis on which the student is graded, unless the plan of course of study explicitly states otherwise.
    

3. Freedom of Assembly--Demonstration Policy
   Demonstrations may be held anywhere on the campus, so long as they do not disrupt the normal operation of the university or infringe on the rights of other members of the university community, except that no demonstrations are permitted inside university buildings.  Any use of sound amplification equipment on the campus must have prior clearance through the Scheduling Office.
    

4. In order that demonstrators not interfere with the operation of the university or the rights of others, they shall not
    

1. Obstruct vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, or other traffic

2. Obstruct entrances or exits to buildings or driveways

3. Interfere with educational activities inside or outside buildings

4. Harass passersby or otherwise disrupt normal activities

5. Interfere with or preclude a scheduled speaker from being heard

6. Interfere with scheduled university ceremonies or events

7. Damage property, including lawns, shrubs, or trees

8. Disturb the peace as defined by local ordinances 

 
Students, personnel, or visitors to the university who interfere with the operation of the university or the rights of others will be asked by Campus Police to disperse and/or comply with this policy within a stipulated period of time.  Failure to respond positively to such a request may result in arrest by Campus Police and/or disciplinary action by the university.