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University of Utah Statement to protestors

Published on:

April 30, 2024 12:15 PM

University of Utah President Taylor R. Randall released the following statement:

“Yesterday, April 29 at 4 p.m., protestors began setting up an encampment in front of the John R. Park building on Presidents Circle.

Several attempts were made by members of our administration and the university’s Academic Senate to connect with and listen to student protesters. Along with faculty members who were at the protest to support students, they discussed and explained that, while we fully support their constitutional rights, the establishment of an encampment was in violation of university policy and state law.

On April 30 at 12:45 a.m., University of Utah Police—in collaboration with Salt Lake City Police, Unified Police, Utah Highway Patrol and West Valley City Police—cleared the encampment.

I hold an unwavering belief in the power of freely expressed ideas to improve our state and world. I want the students and faculty who lawfully protested yesterday to know their voices are heard and matter. They are welcome to continue to express their views legally and peacefully.

At the University of Utah, you have an absolute right to express your opinion. You do not have the right to violate law or university policy. It is unlawful to set up structures or camp overnight on university property.

The University of Utah will continue to support free expression and enforce the rule of law.

It’s graduation week. On Thursday we will celebrate 8,652 graduates and confer 9,266 degrees to students from every state and 64 countries. I ask our campus community to support our graduates by expressing views in a dignified, peaceful, and legal manner. By doing so, we exercise our right of free expression, honor our graduates, and exemplify civil society.”

April 30, 2024 12:45 AM

University of Utah Police—in collaboration with Salt Lake City Police, Unified Police, Utah Highway Patrol and West Valley City Police—cleared a protest on Presidents Circle overnight.

Final exams will continue Tuesday, April 30. Traffic in the area has resumed. Campus shuttles and Utah Transit Authority buses are in operation.

University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics remain open.

April 30, 2024 12:05 AM

Officers from University of Utah Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Department, Unified Police, Utah Highway Patrol, and West Valley City Police Department moved in to disperse the protestors just after 11 p.m.

“Utah college campuses around the state are not exempt from the significant unrest that currently exists in our country and world,” said Keith Squires, U chief safety officer. “Campuses serve as a stage and forum for not just students, but for members of the community who want their voice to be heard. We honor all voices, but the right to speech on our campus must occur within the confines of state law and campus policies.”

Officers removed and dismantled approximately a dozen tents, stashes of water bottles, food and toilet paper. The crowd moved west toward University Street and 1300 East. Many broke down their own tents and drove away.

As of 11:45 p.m., 19 had been arrested including four students and one university employee. No injuries to protestors were reported. Two officers were injured. One hatchet was confiscated.

 

April 29, 2024 10:05 PM

The University of Utah affirms the right of every student, staff, and faculty member to express diverse viewpoints, debate issues, and otherwise engage in free expression. Such expression includes reasonable limits as enumerated in the First Amendment, Utah Administrative Code, and University of Utah Speech Policy.

Consistent with these limits, students, faculty, and others do not have the right to set up structures or camp overnight on University of Utah property. Protestors are being notified and will receive multiple warnings to disperse. If protestors fail to comply with the law, University of Utah Police in collaboration with Salt Lake City Police, Unified Police, Utah Highway Patrol and West Valley City Police will disband the structures and make arrests as needed.

The University of Utah will continue to preserve and protect the right to free speech on our campus within the reasonable limits established under law.

 

April 29, 2024 9:20 PM

As a public institution, the University of Utah preserves and protects the right to free speech on our campus. There are reasonable limits under the First Amendment for the times and places of these expressions.

Students, faculty, staff and community members, you have the right to express your viewpoint and we have heard you. You do not, however, have the right to set up structures or camp overnight. You are violating Utah state law and University of Utah free speech policy.

These are the public assembly and free speech laws and rules you are violating:

Please take your tents down immediately. If your tents are not taken down, they will be removed by law enforcement.

Consequences for students, faculty, staff and community members could include:

  • Students – University discipline ranging from probation to suspension, and criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges
  • Faculty and staff – University discipline including up to termination, and criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges
  • Community members – criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges

Members of the campus community with specific questions about consequences are encouraged to communicate with representatives of the Dean of Students Office who are on-site and available to provide more information.