University of Iowa changes its public space ‘protocol’

NewsTracks | Catching up on an earlier news story

BACKGROUND

In December, two days before University of Iowa students headed home for winter break and about two weeks after a Ku Klux Klan-likened sculpture appeared on campus and sparked heated debate, UI President Sally Mason provided an end-of-semester message.

Among her points, Mason made this vow: 'Before the next semester begins, we will create clarity in the procedures that surround the use of public space for public expressions, including the prompt removal of unauthorized displays on campus.”

WHAT'S HAPPENED SINCE

UI officials have had 'preliminary discussions” about revising the way the policies are presented, according to Tom Rocklin., vice president for student life.

They prohibit protests or demonstrations on UI property that have not been authorized, and they bar signs, banners, slogans, symbols, displays or other devices from being affixed, erected or installed on the Pentacrest 'except as expressly approved by the vice president in unusual and compelling circumstances.”

Rocklin told The Gazette that shared-space policies exist 'to be respectful of everyone that uses that space.” And, he said, 'Anyone is allowed to speak or carry signs on campus, so long as the activity doesn't interfere with the orderly operation of the university.”

Regulation of displays and rallies on campus aims to ensure two groups don't plan to use the same space at the same time, to protect campus landscaping and buildings, and to assure public safety.

Although nothing in the written policies has been changed, Rocklin added that the university has revised its 'operational protocol” for implementing the rules. Approved displays now are issued a physical permit - which the university did not do before - and those permits must be attached to the displays.

'Police are empowered and prepared to remove displays that don't have the permit attached,” according to Rocklin.

Under the change, the 7-foot-tall Klansman-like statue a UI assistant professor installed Dec. 5 on the Pentacrest would not have had a permit - because the artist did not ask permission to put it there.