An abrupt policy change at Indiana University's Bloomington campus has concerns about free speech among students, faculty members, and other advocates.

On Thursday, April 25, student protesters established a pro-Palestinian encampment at a spot on campus that's historically been an acceptable setting for protests and demonstrations. However, a policy change the night before the demonstration limited the manner in which students could voice their opinions.

Law enforcement arrested thirty-three students for trespassing during the protest. These students may also face dismissal or disciplinary charges. That said, they might also have grounds to take legal action if their rights have been violated.

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help if you're a student facing disciplinary action or dismissal. Additionally, if a school has violated your rights, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team may also help you understand your legal options. Learn more about what we can do for you by calling us at 888-535-3686 or submitting our online contact form today.

Administrators Change Student Demonstration Policy the Night Before a Protest

In 1969, the board of trustees at Indiana University's Bloomington campus designated Dunn Meadow, a 20-acre green area on campus, as a “public forum” for members of the university community. Per the original policy, as long as students and faculty members abide by the law and other applicable regulations, they can use the space to “express any point of view on any subject.” The policy states they don't have to provide advance notice to do so.

In addition, the policy has historically indicated that “signs, symbols, or structures” at Dunn Meadow represent “an appropriate exercise of the right of free expression.”

That changed the night before the April 25 demonstration. The night before students planned to demonstrate, a group of administrators suddenly changed the decades-old policy, prohibiting students from installing “temporary or permanent … outdoor structures” without first receiving administrative approval.

Lack of Communication a Potential Factor

Upon adjusting the policy regarding student demonstrations at Dunn Meadow, administrators did not send a university-wide email, nor did they appear to make any large-scale public announcement. Along with making a time-stamped change to the relevant section of the school's undergraduate events website, they posted a physical copy of the updated policy in the area where students were to demonstrate.

The university eventually enlisted the help of Indiana State Troopers to take down the encampment. On top of the 33 students who were allegedly zip-tied and arrested, dozens more have been banned from campus due to violating the updated policy.

When Student Free Speech Issues Result in Legal Trouble

Because this is a developing story, it's not yet clear what types of consequences students who've been arrested or banned from Indiana University's Bloomington campus may face. What is clear is that they may benefit from legal assistance.

At the very least, they may need proper defenses. They might also have justification to take legal action of their own against the university.

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help if you get in trouble for protesting on campus. If you have grounds to take legal action, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can also assist with your case. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 888-535-3686.