Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Be aware of your responsibilities as a student exercising free speech rights, on or off campus.

Know Your Rights

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects most content of speech (i.e., what you say); reasonable restrictions on the “time, place, and manner” of speech are allowed.

• You may not, however, disrupt the activities or speech of other people.

• On campus at UC San Diego, expressive activity/speech is permitted on all non-recreational outdoor open spaces, but you may not damage property, injure other people, or prevent other people from moving freely. Using tables/structures at certain spaces (e.g., Library Walk) must be reserved in advance.

• At all locations on and off campus, if you don’t have a permit, you should stay on the sidewalk and out of the street, obey traffic signals, and don’t block entrances/exits, traffic, or other pedestrians! Property owners, including UC San Diego can set rules for speech on their property.

• You may distribute literature on public sidewalks. If on campus, you must comply with UC San Diego regulations.

• You may take photos/videos in outdoor public spaces, including of police activity, but don’t interfere with law enforcement. Police cannot confiscate or demand to see photos/videos without a warrant. Police cannot make you delete photos/videos under any circumstance.

• Know your rights (to remain silent, to speak to a lawyer, to not consent to a search), but DON’T argue with, physically resist, or obstruct the police!

Know Your Responsibilities

Free expression is integral to a thriving democracy. It is important for you to understand your rights and responsibilities. State and federal laws and University of California policies prohibit the following actions:

• Block entrances/exits to buildings, roads, or walkways;

• Disrupt/obstruct campus activities, classes, or offices, or the freedom of expression of others.

• Block traffic/crosswalks.

• Set up a campsite or occupy a tent or other temporary housing structure on university property.

• Use amplified sound without prior approval.

• Wear a mask or personal disguise or otherwise conceal your identity.

• Refuse to identify yourself to university officials while on university property.

• Act physically abusive or threatening.

• Engage in disorderly or lewd conduct.

• Disturb the peace (e.g., make “unreasonable” noise or use “fighting words”), riot or incite rioting, unlawfully assemble (e.g., be violent or pose a danger of imminent violence), or fail to disperse when ordered.

• Refuse the directions of campus or San Diego Police, California Highway Patrol officers, or other authorities.

• Destroy, damage, or vandalize property.

• IF YOU ENTER ONTO OR BLOCK A FREEWAY, YOU WILL BE ARRESTED. If you plan to be arrested, understand the process and potential outcomes beforehand.