Proposed CUNY policy would establish free-speech zones

City University of New York students would be required to protest within areas “designated for demonstrations” by college presidents, if a draft policy to be considered by the university’s board is approved later this month.

“[M]embers of our University community may not demonstrate in places that have not been designated for demonstrations,” according to the policy.

Demonstrators who violate the policy and do not disperse at the direction of the president or campus security would be subject to “the immediate intervention of public safety officers or external law enforcement,” as well as legal action.

CUNY’s board will vote on the “Policy on Freedom of Expression and Expressive Conduct” on June 27, following a public hearing June 20. The trustees’ executive committee approved the item for consideration by the full board Monday evening.

CUNY general counsel Frederick Schaffer said the policy would prescribe “important but very limited limitations on absolute freedom of expression,” according to a recording of the executive committee meeting. (He chaired a working group that developed the policy over the last year, spokesman Mike Arena said.)

More From Politico: