The University of Alabama is committed to ensuring campus operations, especially final exams, and the commencement address proceeds safely for the campus community and visitors. A secure area near the commencement address is being provided for any spontaneous protests. The University appreciates that attendees exercise their free speech rights with no disruptions.
The University is committed to free speech and expression. Law and UA policies regulate the time, place, and manner of such activities, including access to facilities and grounds, to ensure safety and security for all and to maintain orderly operations in support of the University’s mission.
In light of the added security precautions needed for the May 1 campus visit by the President of the United States and the fact that final exams and other events are taking place on campus this week, all individuals wishing to protest or engage in expressive activity are directed to the designated and secured protest areas on campus. No protests or demonstrations will be permitted outside of the designated areas.
Individuals who have objections to the visit are directed to Butler Field.
Individuals who support the visit are directed to the grassy area west of the University Medical Center parking lot between 4th Street and University Boulevard.
A map of each location is provided below.
Severe Weather
If there is severe weather or nearby lightning, shelter will be available at the Capstone Parking Deck on the northeast corner of 2nd Avenue and Bryant Drive.
Note: Umbrellas are not permitted. Ponchos or raincoats are encouraged.
The rules for conducting protests on campus May 1 are as follows:
Allowed in Designated Areas
- Free speech
- Free expression
- Holding signs
Prohibited in Designated Areas
- No threats or violence
- No physical altercations
- No sound amplification, including bullhorns
- No wearing masks or disguises (See Ala. Code § 13A-11-9(a)(4))
- No overnight camping, temporary shelters, or tents
- No tables, stages, or similar equipment
- No blocking vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic
- No blocking free flow in and out of buildings
- No firearms or other dangerous weapons
- No fires or flames
- No fireworks or explosives
- No disabling chemicals (e.g., mace)
- No sticks, poles, umbrellas, or other objects that can reasonably be used as a weapon, including flag poles
- No interference with academic and administrative activities
University Instructions
- You must comply with all lawful directives of UAPD and University officials.
- You must comply with instructions from security personnel, including any instructions related to any security barriers or perimeters deemed necessary by law enforcement personnel to maintain the safety of the event.
Potential Consequences of Violations
- Events violating law or policy may be canceled and dispersed.
- Students are subject to the Code of Student Conduct. Students who violate these rules will be subject to discipline, which, depending on the misconduct, may include potential suspension or expulsion.
- Employees are subject to the Employee and/or Faculty Handbook.
- Those violating law, including those told to leave and choose to remain in trespass, are subject to arrest. Encampments are prohibited; any individual participating in an encampment who fails to gather their belongings and depart within five minutes of being ordered to do so by law enforcement will be arrested and their encampment materials will be impounded.
- Trespassers are subject to a three-year or more campus ban.
- Violators may be assessed costs.
For more information on the rules applicable to expressive activity on campus, access the UA Facilities and Grounds Use Policy.