Facilities Use
Applies To: Faculty, Staff, Students, Visitors
Responsible Office: SVP Finance & Administration / CFO
Effective Date: August 1, 2024
Last Review Date: July 15, 2026
Related Documents: Use of Facilities, Equipment and Property, including Intellectual Property;
Alcohol on Campus Policy; Commercial Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Policy; Freedom or Limitation of
Expression Policy; Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy; Poster and Distribution Policy;
Weapons Policy
Policy Statement
MHSL recognizes and protects the rights of freedom of speech, expression, petition, and peaceful
assembly. MHSL also recognizes the need to maintain orderly operations and balance competing
freedoms and interests.
To strike a balance between competing interests and to maintain the safety and security of the
community, MHSL may place reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of expression that
occurs on the school’s private property. This includes all campus buildings, all outdoor space
adjacent to the campus, and school-owned parking lots. A non-exclusive reference list of guidelines
and examples contained in this policy are included to help guide community members and MHSL
decision makers when evaluating how this policy may apply to a particular situation.
MHSL prohibits any conduct or expression that violates other applicable MHSL policies, federal or
state laws, is disruptive to MHSL’s normal operations, or is contrary to MHSL’s core mission,
vision, and values. MHSL may locate or move any assembly and it may
establish and maintain a perimeter around any assembly at any time.
I. Permission to Utilize Facilities
To utilize campus facilities, buildings, or grounds for non-academic activities, individuals or
groups must obtain permission no less than two weeks before the planned activity.
Students or student organizations should submit a request to the Dean of Students or Student
Services. All other persons or groups should contact the Office of Finance and Administration.
The purpose of making such arrangements is not to prohibit free speech, but rather to ensure that
the proposed activity will not interfere with campus security or operations, including regularly
scheduled or reserved functions in the space being requested.
Examples of Time, Place and Manner Restrictions
The following is a non-exclusive reference list of guidelines and examples. This list does not
purport to address every situation. It is intended only as a guide to help community members and
MHSL decision makers when evaluating how this policy may apply to a particular situation.
- Access: Interfering with, impeding, or causing blockage of the flow of vehicular or pedestrian
traffic to campus or access to or exit from any MHSL building, classroom, or office is not
permitted. - Demonstration: Actions or conduct related to protesting that impede access are not permitted.
- Banners, Signs, and other Informative Materials: The carrying or display of posters, signs,
placards, or banners in a way that obstructs or interferes with the effective carrying out of a law
school function or approved activity, impedes others’ use of MHSL’s property, or inhibits the
normal movement of any vehicular traffic or pedestrian movement or presents safety hazards, on MHSL
property is prohibited. Posters, signs, placards, or banners must comply with MHSL’s Poster and
Distribution Policy. Individuals or groups shall not state or imply that their views represent the views of MHSL - Temporary Structures/Displays/Exhibits: Any proposed structures may be constructed or placed
for any activity only upon authorization by the member of the Senior Leadership Team with oversight
of the Safety and Security function in consultation with the Vice President of Finance and
Administration. - Use of Fire: Any torches, flammable outdoor displays or outdoor open fires must be approved by
the member(s) of the Senior Leadership Team with oversight of the Facilities function or the Safety
and Security function. Use of candles is permissible outdoors so long as candles are stored and
transported in fire-proof containers and any spilt wax is cleaned up by the individual or sponsoring
group after the event. - Responsibility Toward Property: Care must be taken to ensure that MHSL and personal property is
not damaged or destroyed or left littered. Those responsible for any such damage or litter will be
liable for any repair, replacement, or clean-up costs. - Preference for Student and MHSL Events: MHSL may, at its discretion, preserve MHSL space
exclusively for students or employees or for MHSL sponsored events which includes invited guests. - Preference for Scheduled or Reserved Purposes: All activities must be conducted to avoid
interference with the regularly scheduled or reserved functions of that space. - After Hours Events: Events after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends are permitted on campus only by
faculty, staff, or registered student groups with prior approval and in accordance with this and
other MHSL policies. - Sound Levels: Noise levels should not interfere with classes, meetings, campus events or
operations and activities in progress. If such interference occurs, the school reserves the right
to respond in an appropriate manner, including issuing a warning, requiring eviction, or involving law enforcement. City ordinances may also apply. - Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression: The First Amendment to the United States
Constitution does not apply to private institutions, but MHSL follows ABA Standards, as amended
from time to time, which govern academic freedom and freedom of expression. Pursuant to those
standards, and subject to this policy, MHSL protects the rights of MHSL faculty and students to
communicate ideas that may be controversial or unpopular. That includes communication of ideas
through robust debate, demonstration, or protests. - Disruptions: Also pursuant to ABA Standards, MHSL prohibits disruptive conduct by anyone,
including, but not limited to, heckling, interrupting, noisemaking, and shouting, that hinders
freedom of expression by conduct or expression that substantially interferes with the carrying out
of law school functions or approved activities, including classes, meetings, interviews,
ceremonies, and public events. MHSL also prohibits expression that violates the law, falsely
defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, or that unjustifiably
invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests. MHSL reserves the right reasonably to
regulate the time, place, and manner of expression on activity that is not necessarily disruptive
but that is inconsistent with MHSL’s mission and/or purpose. - MHSL policies: The school’s Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment, Drug and Alcohol, Commercial
Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free, and Weapons policies mandate requirements that apply to, and are
incorporated within, this Facilities Use policy.
II. Compliance
All individuals participating in events are expected to comply with state and federal law,
municipal ordinances, MHSL policies and the above guidelines. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal from the campus and any other appropriate action by MHSL officials and/or the police which could include being banned from campus for a period of time among other remedies.
Disclaimer
Mitchell Hamline policies are for informational purposes and do not constitute a contract, either
express or implied, with any employee, student, or third party. Subject to applicable law, Mitchell
Hamline reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate any of the policies or procedures
described herein, in whole or in part, at any time, with or without prior notice, at its sole
discretion. Mitchell Hamline also may choose not to apply a policy in certain circumstances if it
determines a different course of
action is more appropriate.