“Expressive Activity” – David McDonald

David McDonald provides background information on how to prevent a recurrence of student encampments at Dunn Meadow, the Board of Trustees developed an Expressive Activity Policy called UA 10. The policy prohibits any form of political expression and activity on campus between 11 pm and 6 am – a policy that fails to define exactly what constitutes political activity – a T-shirt with a political message or handing out a flyer announcing an event. Faculty and students responded to this overly broad restrictive policy, by holding peaceful candlelight vigils at the institution’s Sample Gates that involved some speeches but just also a lot of mournful silence. In response to McDonnell giving a speech at the 4th such vigil, he received a sanction from the IU administration and a warning that further violation at the policy could have severe consequences including being fired. Students who were warned also could be suspended.