CAmpus Event Response team

Training agenda

• Welcome and introductions
• Clarifying our purpose
• Understanding Free Speech
• Practicing our approach
• Next Steps

OUR PHILOSOPHY:

The University of Oklahoma is dedicated to
fostering the free exchange of ideas and opinions and committed to the principles of
free speech and expression.

Peaceful and lawful assembly is a right protected by both law and University policy and is valued, encouraged and honored.

OUR MISSION:
We will work to ensure safety for members of the campus community during campus protests, demonstrations, and select events during which there is a potential for counter demonstration or emotional triggers and responses.

When possible, the University is committed to working proactively with students and other activists
to plan and stage safe demonstrations and,
when not possible, will respond through
coordinated communication efforts, tempered
crowd control, and trained conflict management.

CERT Components:

Staff Responders will:

• Be present at campus demonstration events
• Support the well-being and safety of students
• Observe the situation and provide detailed information during and after event
• If necessary, distribute a precautionary handbill at the event

Executive management group will:

• Provide guidance to the Response Team members
• Make decisions on behalf of the Institution
• Coordinate communication and mediation with protest leaders

Law enforcement will:

• Provide officers at campus events in an appropriate manner
• Maintain law and order
• Take control of situation if an outbreak of violence occurs or appears imminent

The first amendment

"Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble..."



First Amendment to the Constitution, ratified December 15, 1791

"...No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States..."



From the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, ratified
July 9, 1868

"The College, acting here as the instrumentality of the State may not restrict speech or association simply because it finds the views expressed by any group to be abhorrent."

Healy v. James, 408 U.S. 169 (1972).

"Healy v. James makes it clear that the mere dissemination of ideas- no matter how offensive to good taste- on a state university campus
may not be shut off in the name alone of
conventions of decency."


Papish v. Board of Curators of the
University of Missouri et al, 410 U.S. 667 (1973)

THE UNIVERSITY'S RESPONSIBILITY:

To strike a delicate balance between upholding
an individual's fundamental freedoms and
protecting the institution's regular academic
and business operations.

Forms of Expressive Activity:

• Wearing armbands to class
• Kneeling during the National Anthem
• Organized/spontaneous marching or picketing

For the most part, CERT is tasked with responding to spontaneous or organized marching or picketing activity.

TIME/PLACE/manner

Forums on UNiversity campuses

three Categories:

• Traditional Public Forum (ex: exterior campus sidewalks)
• Designated/Limited Public Forum (ex. Open mic night at the Union)
• Non-Public Forum (ex. classrooms, offices, buildings)

"reasonable REstrictions"

• No activity near stadium on a game day
• No activity on landscaped areas
• No activity that impedes ingress/egress
• No unauthorized tabling, sound amplification, or disruption to class

freedom of speech

Faculty v. Staff rights

Faculty:

• Visit the Norman Campus Faculty Handbook for helpful information
• Academic Freedom: 3.2.1 (C)
• Academic Responsibility: 3.2.2 (E)

Through a fair and consistent
application of existing policies
and careful planning, the University
can lay the foundation for
achieving the correct balance.

A practiced approach

You are assisting with a demonstration and you see several of the students you work with participating. They ask you why you are there.

How do you respond?

You are walking across campus and notice a
group of demonstrators on the Dale Hall steps.

What do you do?

You are speaking to two students and one of them
begins filming your conversation.

What do you do?

You notice a student participating in the
demonstration become emotional and upset.

What do you do?

Students walking by a peaceful demonstration begin making loud, derogatory comments about the event.

What do you do?

The students leading a demonstration say they want to use a amplified sound and use a bullhorn while they are marching.

How do you respond?

The protestors announce they are going to the President's Office and plan to stay there all night.

What do you do?

A group of counter demonstrators arrives and begins to form a human wall around the event, blocking the views.

What do you do?

The demonstration you are observing appears to be getting more hostile and possibly violent.

What do you do?

De-escalation

Techniques:

• Create space
• Invite to a quieter area
• Acknowledge that you may not understand
• Don't try to fix
• Ask "What ways can I assist today?"
• Don't touch

If you are responding:

• Remember to wear your official OU name tag and CERT tag
• Bring your cell phone to take notes or text info
• Connect with your partner and arrive/leave together if possible
• Stand by for further instructions

your safety is critical

• If you feel unsafe, immediately head to a safe place and notify OUPD and the CERT coordinator as soon as possible.
• If you are asked to leave by OUPD or CERT, do so immediately.
• In most cases, we will establish a meeting point for responders in advance and will gather there after the event.

Next Steps:

• Provide your contact information if you are willing to be a responder
• Check your emails for calls to volunteer
• Contact Student Affairs if you become aware of potential demonstrations

Thank you