A recent anti-abortion demonstration on campus has shown administrators that there is a need for discussion of university policies regarding non-student demonstrations.
Currently, non-student groups that want to distribute information are not required to register with the university as long as they stand outside of university buildings and do not solicit money, said Glenn Augustine, associate director of University Relations.
Augustine has held informal conversations with Dean of Students Randy Hyman and Thomas Kinghorn, vice president of Business Affairs, about possible solutions to the policy.
"As of now, no official date has been set for the discussion of policy change," Augustine said. "It is likely that meetings will begin after this year's graduation ceremony. For now, the policies that apply to student demonstrations seem to be unofficially applying to non-students."
Student demonstrators who want to demonstrate on campus must first obtain the necessary forms from Charles Scofield, facilities assignment coordinator for the Student Center Operations Office.
Upon completion of the paperwork, applicants must have the forms approved by Kay Bales, associate vice president of Student Life.
According to the Student Life handbook, student demonstrators are not permitted to interrupt the orderly conduct of university affairs or interfere with the free flow of traffic on campus or in university buildings.
Student demonstrators are also not permitted to incorporate the use of alcohol or drugs or the display or distribution of any obscene or defamatory material, according to the handbook.
"According to the Ball State faculty and staff handbook, Ball State does reserve the right to decide when, where and in what manner demonstrators come to campus in order to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved," Hyman said.
In situations where violence erupts during demonstrations, the University Police Department refers to its own policies and procedures.
"When acts of violence occur during a demonstration between individuals, which may or may not be related that demonstration, we look at the act and apply the usual Indiana criminal code," said Bob Fey, associate director of Public Safety.
"It is a tough call, because we want to protect both the First Amendment and the safety of the public," Fey said.
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