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Emory University – Open Expression Policy

March 2025
Emory University (Private college or university)
Atlanta, GA

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Additional Information

  • Incident Nature:
    Rally or protest
    Recognized student group event
    Other student-organized event
    Other
  • Incident Political Orientation:
    Not Clear
  • Incident Responses:
    Rally or Protests
    University administration changed university policy as a consequence
    Campus police
    Other Law Enforcement
    State Campus Free Speech Act
    Title IX or other federal statute
  • Incident Status:
    No litigation
  • Was Speech Code incident

Summary

On March 20, 2025, Emory University implemented a new Open Expression Policy. The university stated that the policy “makes clear that all members of the Emory community have the right to express their views, including through speech, debate, and peaceful assembly, while respecting the rights of others.” The policy applied to students, faculty, staff, and invited guests and established content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions. It included guidance on where and how expressive activity could occur and outlined actions that were not protected, including speech that violated the law or interfered with the rights of others.

The policy specified that “expressive activity is encouraged in designated areas and with proper notification” and introduced trained faculty and staff Open Expression Observers to support community members in understanding and following the policy. Observers were described as providing “guidance and support to help ensure that expression proceeds within the boundaries of the policy.” The framework also prohibited protests and demonstrations between midnight and 7 a.m., building occupations or takeovers, overnight camping, and encampments.

The March 20, 2025 policy formalized and replaced interim rules that had been implemented in 2024 in response to a series of campus events. On April 25, 2024, students and faculty were removed from a pro-Palestine encampment on the main quadrangle, and a number of arrests were made. On May 3, 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences faculty held a vote of no confidence in the university president following the handling of the encampment. On September 16, 2024, the university announced new rules for expressive activity, including prohibitions on encampments, restrictions on sound levels, and limitations on demonstrations in certain academic and residential areas. On September 18, 2024, students held protests on campus in response to these rules. The March 20, 2025 policy incorporated and expanded upon these 2024 rules, creating a comprehensive framework for expression across campus.

Emory released additional guidance alongside the March 20, 2025 policy, clarifying the role of trained Open Expression Observers and the use of designated spaces. The guidance stated that the policy “protects expression for members of the Emory community and supports the Emory mission in a safe campus environment for all.”