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President’s message: Safety and civil rights at mass demonstrations

Monday, July 01, 2024
Police Chief

College campuses have long been central sites for debate and action on a variety of social causes. While protests, mass demonstrations, and rallies are not new issues for police, the ways we respond to them are always evolving. The recent rise in campus protests and encampments have reignited conversations around the role of police on university grounds and the complex balance of maintaining order while respecting and upholding civil rights. As police leaders and policing professionals, we are supportive of individuals wishing to exercise their First Amendment rights through lawful demonstrations. When civil disturbances occur that pose a threat of collective violence, destruction of property, or other unlawful acts, that is when we must respond with crowd control measures to prevent loss of life, injury, or property damage. 

American Institutes for Research

U.S. Department of Education

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