Updated Free Speech Policies Ban Encampments

In the wake of the spring’s pro-Palestine protest movement on college campuses, SUNY New Paltz has followed universities across the nation and instituted updated free speech policies. The policies include a ban on encampments that come after police arrested over 130 people at the pro-Palestine encampment on Parker Quad. 

President Darrell P. Wheeler announced these new free speech policies in an email sent to the campus community on Sept. 26, which states “the new language does not reflect substantive changes or new regulations,” because New Paltz had prior policies related to the new policy topics. Instead, “the new language … aims to add clarity for stakeholders and provide greater consistency throughout the SUNY system.” This is SUNY New Paltz’s first update to its free speech policies since the university approved them in 2012, and there are several changes worth noting.

The changes come from the top down and apply to all SUNY campuses, but no SUNY campus experienced a level of police force close to what happened on Parker Quad last semester. SUNY “provided all campuses with draft models for new protest restrictions on campuses before students returned for the fall semester,” according to the August 2024 fact sheet “Committing to a Strong Campus Climate.” The document states SUNY included “prohibitions of encampments,” and “content neutral” restrictions on protests in all draft policy models. 

According to New Paltz’s official updated policy, “the establishment of any indoor and/or outdoor encampment erected in connection with any lawful assembly of individuals” is prohibited. Tents are also banned, which the university defines as: “any and all structures, enclosure or shelter constructed of any material, including but not limited to fabric or pliable materials supported by any manner.” 

SUNY New Paltz’s free speech policy webpage has been completely updated since May 2024, going from a single page of text to a thorough, redesigned webpage. The university added new policy frameworks to the webpage, which include “Camping and Use of Tents on Campus Policy” “Identification Card Policy” and “Freedom Of Expression & Assembly Student Policy and Procedures.”

Language in these frameworks ban assemblies occurring between 10 p.m. – 8 a.m., assemblies lasting more than a day, constructing structures “requiring penetration in concrete or grass, or camp on University grounds without authorization from the Center for Student Engagement.” According to the email, vice presidents and deans reviewed the changes, as well as “campus and SUNY partners.” 

A Chronicle of Higher Education report released two weeks before New Paltz announced its policy changes states 41 universities have instituted policies restricting encampments. 

Wheeler’s email and a campus update email sent on Aug. 30 are in accordance with SUNY’s fact sheet on new policies. The document states SUNY expects each campus to incorporate information on the restrictions, how to report discrimination and harassment incidents and “tools for civil discourse” in fall orientations and back-to-campus content. 

There has been no protest on the New Paltz campus adjacent to the past Parker Quad encampment. A minor demonstration occurred when Representatives Pat Ryan and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez visited campus, with protestors shouting pro-Palestine chants. As New Paltz students continue to watch Israel’s military forces devastate Gaza, how the university will enforce its updated free speech policies remains to be seen.