Washington University and School of Medicine Policy on Demonstrations and Disruption

The Washington University School of Medicine follows the Washington University Policy on Demonstrations and Disruption.

Please note that the medical school campus is a private institution. However, our campus serves members of the public as part of our critical patient care function, and accordingly demonstrations and activities that are disruptive to that patient care function or to patient and visitor access to the medical campus are strictly prohibited. Other areas of the medical campus may be restricted as well.

It is highly recommended that individuals or groups who intend to demonstrate or otherwise peacefully assemble to share opinions or debate issues at the School of Medicine campus contact the School of Medicine Protective Services at a minimum of one week before the event is planned so that the individuals or groups are aware of any such restrictions.

Failure to follow these policies may result in disciplinary action as appropriate to the violation and in accordance with the policies and procedures within the respective Washington University or School of Medicine programs.

Procedures for Monitoring and Managing Demonstrations and Disruption on the Washington University Medical Campus

When a faculty member, administrator, or staff member becomes aware of a protest or demonstration on campus, they should immediately notify the Senior Associate Dean and Vice Chancellor for Medical Education. The Senior Associate Dean will then follow the following procedure:

1. Notify the following individuals:
   1. Protective Services
   2. One or more senior administrators within the program(s)/group(s) involved in the planned demonstration
   3. The Dean of the School of Medicine
   4. The Chancellor of Washington University
   5. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs on the Danforth Campus
2. One or more senior administrators/staff and members of the Protective Services team will be assigned to closely monitor and be present at all demonstrations/events. If a member of the School of Medicine senior administration/staff is unable to serve in this role or if advice/support is needed, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs on the Danforth Campus should be engaged.
3. Attempts will be made by the senior administrator/staff and Protective Services to meet with and review the policies and procedures for demonstrations and disruptions prior to the planned event whenever possible.
4. The senior administrator/staff member and Protective Services will be present primarily to ensure that all policies are followed and to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved
5. If members of the demonstration/event violate the policy or if there is concern at any time for the safety and well-being of the campus community, the senior administrator will read the following script(s):

First:

I am (Position and Name) at Washington University. At this time, I am directing you to stop (specific behavior) that is in violation of university policy. Your actions are in violation of the university's Policy on Demonstrations and Disruption. Please take the appropriate action so you are no longer in violation. If you do not do this now, I will be referring this matter to the Washington University School of Medicine Protective Services, which may engage the City of St. Louis police department.

Second:

l am (Position and Name) at Washington University. I asked you a few minutes ago to stop (specific behavior) that is in violation of university policy. Your actions are in violation of the university's Policy on Demonstrations and Disruption. Since you have not complied with my request, I am now referring this matter to the Washington University School of Medicine Protective Services, which may engage the City of St. Louis police department.

If this fails, Protective Services will step in to manage the situation.

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