Freedom of Expression Procedures

Appendix: Freedom of Expression Procedures and Operational Protocols

The American University in Cairo affirms that members of its community have the right to express ideas freely as part of the University’s academic and intellectual mission. Freedom of expression does not extend to conduct that materially disrupts teaching, research, events, administrative operations, or access to university facilities.

These procedures ensure that expressive activity occurs in a manner consistent with safety, applicable law, the rights of others, and the normal functioning of the University. They are applied in a viewpoint-neutral manner and should be read in conjunction with the Freedom of Expression Policy and other applicable University policies. The University will protect the ability of individuals to express their views and will not permit conduct that prevents others from speaking, assembling, or participating in University activities.

Notification and coordination requirements are intended soley to facilitate safety, scheduling, and operational continuity and do not constitute approval of the content of expression. The University may, through authorized officials, suspend, relocate, or terminate an activity where there is a reasonable determination of imminent safety risk, unlawful conduct, or material disruption.
 

I. Notification and Event Coordination

Organizers of planned assemblies, demonstrations, or rallies must provide written notification to the Office of Security and for student events, the Dean of Students Office at least three working days (excluding weekends and university holidays) in advance.  Notification should include the anticipated start time, location, duration, estimated number of participants (if known), and any planned use of sound amplification or equipment. Notification enables the University to plan for safety, traffic flow, and academic and operational continuity and does not constitute approval of the content or expression.

Following notification, the Office of Security or a designated University office may issue written confirmation that logistical and safety coordination has been completed (“event readiness confirmation”). This confirmation reflects operational preparedness only and does not constitute approval or endorsement of the activity or its content. 

II. Time, Place, and Manner

The University may implement content-neutral time, place, and manner measures where necessary to address safety concerns, prevent material disruption,  preserve access to facilities, and ensure that multiple groups can exercise their rights. The University may conduct risk assessment and implement appropriate measures, including adjustments to venue, timing, security presence or access management.

III. Assemblies, Demonstrations, and Participation

Members of the AUC community may organize and participate in peaceful assemblies on campus.  Assemblies must remain peaceful and may not involve violence or credible threats, property damage, obstruction of access, interruption of University activities, or material disruption of classes, examinations, or operations.  Members of the AUC community may join assemblies without prior registration. Staff participation must comply with applicable employment policies, including those governing working hours and use of university resources.

IV. Counter-Protests and Competing Expression

The University recognizes that expressive activity may prompt counter-expression. Counter-protests are permitted, provided they do not materially disrupt the original event, block access, or prevent speakers from being heard.  Where simultaneous expressive activity is anticipated, the University may implement content-neutral adjustments to ensure that all participants are able to exercise their rights safely. 

V. Invited Speakers and Events

Guest speakers must be invited through a university-recognized entity.  Notification to relevant University offices is required for coordination, safety planning, and compliance with applicable procedures and does not constitute review or approval of a speaker’s viewpoint.  The Office of Dean of Students should be notified at least ten (10) working days in advance to support event planning and logistics. The Office of the President must be notified at least 10 working days in advance where government officials are invited  Where events present elevated safety or operational risks, additional coordination measures may be implemented based on documented risk factors rather than the content of expression.

VI. Distribution of Materials and Publications

Members of the AUC community may distribute printed materials, circulate petitions, and engage in expressive speech without prior approval.  Distribution must not involve harassment, intimidation, bullying, credible threats, violence, or other violations of University policy, obstruction of walkways, or interference with classes or scheduled activities.  Posting of materials must comply with University space reservation and posting policies. Materials posted without authorization may be removed through the neutral application of those policies.

VII. Security Protocols and Operational Response

The Office of Security operates in a protective and facilitative role and shall remain viewpoint neutral.  In responding to disruptive or unsafe conduct, University personnel shall apply graduated and proportionate response, which may include verbal request for compliance, clear warning, direction to cease or relocate the activity, and where necessary removal from the area.  Where required to protect safety or restore normal operations, authorized officials may direct individuals or groups to disperse, relocate, or leave a particular area of campus. 

VIII. Academic Continuity and Non-Disruption

Freedom of expression does not include the right to materially disrupt classes, examinations, research activities, events, or administrative functions.  Faculty retain authority over classroom conduct and may take reasonable steps to maintain an environment conducive to teaching and learning.  The University may take proportionate action to address conduct that interferes with academic or administrative operations or access to University facilities.

IX. Documentation, Review, and Continuous Improvement

The University shall document significant incidents involving expressive activity, including actions taken and outcomes, to support consistency, accountability and continuous improvement. 

XIII. Relationship to Other Policies

These procedures operate alongside and do not replace, the Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy, Code of Conduct, employment policies, and applicable law.  Freedom of expression does not protect conduct that constitutes unlawful harassment, bullying, credible threats, violence, or other policy violations.