A User Guide to U of T Policies on Protest and Use of Campus Spaces (Updated: October 2024)

The University has received a number of questions regarding this User Guide including in relation to its scope and application. This Guide was prepared as an educative resource primarily for students, though it may be helpful for members of our community to be reminded of existing policy. The Guide distills and consolidates the current law and policy framework that applies to protests on campus. It may be updated in the future to reflect changes to law and/or policy. The Guide does not establish new policy. Any corrective action will be taken in accordance with the underlying policies and/or law. Read more about the relevant policies at U of T’s free speech website and the Governing Council policies page. A copy of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s court order of July 2, 2024 is also available for review.

U of T supports peaceful protests: Peaceful protests are a form of free expression and have been a force for progressive change at the University of Toronto (U of T) and elsewhere for generations. U of T is guided by a commitment to the right of its community members to express and discuss ideas freely, including the right to criticize the University.

But there are limits: Various laws and long-standing U of T policies and guidelines place limitations on protest and other forms of expression (such as postering, signage, letter-writing, etc.). Drawing on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice court order of July 2, 2024, as well as U of T policies, including the Code of Student Conduct, the following guidance will assist community members who wish to participate in protests or other similar events and activities on property (including offices, classrooms, labs, clinics, etc.) that is owned, leased, or occupied by U of T and its affiliates to do so peacefully and without consequence.

Place & Time of Protest – U of T will allow peaceful protests with certain limitations on the place and time where and when they occur:

• Unauthorized Presence: Occupying or entering U of T premises without authorization is not permitted. For more information on booking space at U of T, please see the OVPS site.
• Time of Protests: No protests or gatherings are permitted from 11pm to 7am. Occupying space or premises overnight for the purposes of a protest is prohibited.
• Structures: Constructing tents, encampments, fences, barriers, or other structures is not permitted.
  

Manner of Protest – U of T allows peaceful protest that does not interrupt University activities – including classes, meetings, or other University business.

More specifically, the following are not permitted:

• Violence: U of T will not tolerate any form of violence on its property, including any that might occur during a protest activity.
• Excessive Noise: Activities resulting in noise that prevents the speech of invited guests, University members, and others; that obstructs U of T activities from continuing; or that negatively impacts those living in U of T residences are not permitted. This might result from the use of amplifiers, megaphones, microphones, etc. so care should be taken when using such technology.
• Blocking Access: Blocking doorways to buildings or roadways into campus, or otherwise interfering with access to U of T is not allowed.
• Intimidation or Harassment: Physical and verbal intimidation or harassment; or impeding others’ basic rights, including free expression, freedom to assemble, and human rights are prohibited. This includes targeting individuals at their cars, offices, homes, at meetings of University governance, or elsewhere.
• Certain Posters and Signs: Affixing signs, posters, or flyers (including the use of chalk, marker, paint, and projections) outside designated areas is prohibited as a form of vandalism.
• Health and Safety Risks: Actions that threaten the physical health and safety of others, or that present a threat to security are prohibited.
• Discrimination: Using language in chants or recordings, on signs, or otherwise that demeans others based on their age, ancestry or race, ethnicity, place of origin, creed or faith, disability, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, or other categories in the Ontario Human Rights Code is not permitted.
• Exclusivity: Restricting entry to event space based on political viewpoint or other criteria is not permitted. (Only events that are booked and advertised or promoted as private gatherings can be restricted to invitees only.)

There are consequences for violating University policies, including the guidance on peaceful protests above: Engaging in these prohibited activities can result in consequences under law and U of T policies, including arrest, suspension, trespass from property, and expulsion. Campus Safety holds responsibility to manage protests in order to ensure that they occur peacefully and within the limits noted above. Any resistance (physical or verbal) may result in Campus Safety action or requesting the assistance of municipal police.