URI committee recommends board adopt revised rules on use of university property

The University of Rhode Island Governance Committee on Feb. 2025 voted to recommend that the full Board of Trustees approve new regulations governing use of university property, following extensive public comment and edits intended to protect free-speech rights and clarify enforcement.

Abby Benson, staff member, told the committee the regulations were drafted under Rhode Island General Law "sixteen-thirty 2," which she said empowers the board to make rules for control and use of university property and assigns general management of property to the university president. Benson said the draft had been posted for community comment and that the university received about 475 comments.

The committee was told an ad hoc task force representing Faculty Senate, Student Senate, the Graduate Student Association and staff reviewed comments and recommended changes. Benson said the revised draft uses clearer, more precise language; includes affirmative references to the university manual and the student handbook on free speech and assembly; clarifies the distinction between enforcement and discipline; and was reviewed with the office of general counsel to use legally established terms.

Benson said the revisions removed language that had raised concerns about leafletting and distribution of literature, clarified that ordinary office postings or door signs were not meant to be restricted, and deleted references to unspecified "designated spaces" for postings. The draft adds language focusing on preventing permanent damage to property from postings, and it directs development of specific amplified-sound rules by the Department of Public Safety while noting the need to comply with applicable local ordinances. Benson also said the draft clarified that after-hours building access is permitted for "bona fide business or educational purposes." She reported Faculty Senate had voted to endorse the regulations.

Committee chair Courtney Nicolato, chair of the Governance Committee, asked for questions; trustees offered congratulations on the collaborative process. Vice Chair Jay Placencia moved that the committee recommend board approval of the regulations; Bob Wagon seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The committee's recommendation advances the revised regulations to the full Board of Trustees for action at its next meeting. Benson said the Department of Public Safety will finalize amplified-sound rules and that the university retains existing disciplinary processes for student, staff and faculty matters referenced in the regulations.

The Governance Committee's materials and the revised draft were posted as the enclosure for committee review.