The following statement of policy was approved by the Board of Trustees on March 20, 1969:

“Western Carolina University respects the right of each member of the academic community to be free from coercion and harassment.  It recognizes that academic freedom is no less dependent on orderly liberty than any other freedom, and it understands that harassment of others is especially reprehensible in a community of scholars. 

The right of dissent has been an honored American tradition.  This privilege will be respected by the university.  However, the substitution of noise for speech, disorder for dialogue, and force for reason is a rejection and not an application of academic freedom.  A determination to discourage conduct which is disruptive and disorderly does not threaten academic freedom; it is, rather, a necessary condition.

Therefore, any act of violence or intimidation, threat, seizure of any person or property, or any unauthorized activity by individuals or groups which prevents the normal operation of the university in any way, including unacceptable behavior as hereinafter defined, will not be condoned, and disciplinary action appropriate to the offense will be taken immediately.  This action may include expulsion, suspension, or separation, as well as legal charges. 

Similar action will be taken against those who are found guilty of advocating activities contrary to university regulations and state law with respect to such disturbances.  Persons who are not members of the university will be subject to prosecution by the State of North Carolina through appropriate agencies. 

7.10.01            Definition of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior is defined as disruptive picketing, protesting, demonstrating, or other conduct that directly interferes with the orderly operation of the university or with the lawful pursuits of any member of the university community or with any person otherwise on university premises with the express or implied permission of the university. 

Without in any way limiting the scope of the foregoing definition, the following actions specifically are prohibited:

A.        Unauthorized occupancy of university facilities, buildings, or lands.

B.  Interference with the rights of students, faculty, staff or persons who are guests of the university to gain access to any university facility for the purpose of class attendance, participating in interviews, conferences, or any other purpose not forbidden by law or university regulations.

C.  Interference with the orderly operations of the university by breach of the peace, physical obstruction or coercion, or by noise, tumult, or other forms of disturbance.

D.        Interference with university traffic, pedestrian or vehicular.