Institutions of higher education are facing previously unseen levels of scrutiny and criticism on an unprecedented number of high-profile issues. As intense emotions flare around both politically charged and highly personal issues such as reproductive rights, DEI, geopolitical conflicts, and domestic politics, we fully anticipate a continuing high level of activism and protest on campuses across the country. The following is a “checklist” of actions to consider to help your institution be as prepared as possible for the challenges that lie ahead.
KNOW WHERE YOU STAND
All universities, and particularly public ones, have an obligation to uphold and protect free speech rights and have highlighted free expression and academic freedom as being fundamental to their missions. However, as protests, building occupations, encampments, and other recent events have shown, there is insufficient understanding around or appreciation for the distinction between protecting free speech and tolerating civil disobedience. Moreover, lack of clarity in and/or unwillingness to enforce existing policies and laws is a significant source of confusion and can create serious legal and reputational risk.
-
- Clarify Institutional Position
- Verify and Stress-Test
UPDATE AND ALIGN POLICIES
Policies are critical as the manifestation of institutional positions, providing direction and clarity regarding response. Many universities have fallen short, however, either due to failure to implement existing policies or because most universities are missing some aspects of policies or protocols necessary to effectively guide response during a protest. The following should be updated or developed, if not in place:
-
- Demonstration Management Protocol
- Events Approval, Risk Assessment and Management Protocol
- Update Time, Place and Manner
STRENGTHEN RESPONSE CAPABILITY
Many universities have capable emergency operations teams and plans designed to manage physical emergencies while mitigating the incident’s impact on life and property. However, most universities have only informal and inconsistent crisis management processes—the executive-level, strategic decisionmaking framework, and approach to allow for fast, coordinated decisions. Relying on an overly large cabinet, or conversely a narrow group of trusted advisors, is typically insufficient and leads to poor outcomes.
-
- Establish a Crisis Management Team
- Define Board Coordination Expectations
- “Experience” Law Enforcement Response
- Conduct Exercises
SHARE THIS:
5 Questionsto ask your team
- Do we have clear conduct and/or social media guidelines that address free speech/hate speech/online harassment issues?
- Do we have clear event approval and risk assessment criteria in place to ensure appropriate vetting of and preparation for outside speakers and events?
- Do we have clear and posted guidelines about protests and gatherings? Have they been communicated to the campus community?
- Are we aware of police “use of force” protocols and the role of our administration relative to police actions? If we do not have a university police force—or in case of a large event—do we have an MOU in place with local, county and state police?
- In addition to an Emergency Management Plan, do we have a Crisis Management AND a Crisis Communication plan in place?
Need some help?
We've been there
From pepper spray to protests, from academic freedom to provocative speakers; our team has been in the trenches with schools in crisis for decades helping college and university leadership manage their response. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to prevent needlessly making the situation worse.
We'll help you prepare
It’s clear, this is an elections season like no other. Don’t wait until the controversial speaker is on campus, hate speech is roiling your community, or the protest posters are printing. Our team can help you plan your response now with policy and crisis management and communications plan review and development, leadership training and exercising, and campus emergency and police response protocols.