College campuses have always been the site of political and social discourse, and they will continue to be – just under different regulations.

USF’s updated policy 6-028, requires organizations to reserve a gathering space on campus if they plan on using displays or amplified sound, such as with the use of megaphones and microphones.

The updates to the student code of conduct will be beneficial, as it will increase security measures and promote peaceful, respectful dialogue.

This new reservation-style process will ensure the safety of protesters, allowing USF to properly staff events, including law enforcement presence if needed.

“The new policy states public space is open to the public and may be used for non-commercial and unamplified expression without approval,” Alice Messiah, president of USF’s First Amendment Forum said. “USF has clearly stated and committed to promoting free expression on campus,” 

Students can still gather for a cause – their meetings just have to be pre-approved to use sound or displays.

Related: Protesters at USF need pre-approval to gather with amplified sound and displays

We’ve seen firsthand at USF how protests can end in escalation. On April 30, a protest calling for USF’s divestment was broken up by tear gas. Law enforcement arrested ten people that day, with one protester being found with a gun.

USF leaders have been rightfully criticized for their justifications of violence against protesters in the past, but these updated policies can help prevent similar future incidents and escalations.

This policy outlines the expectations of protesters to act responsibly. It defines what the campus deems as “peaceful protests.” Protests that disrupt the school’s academic mission, scheduled events, or daily operations are not permitted, according to a flyer from the university.

Providing necessary staff to events will help make sure that protesters are acting in accordance with the expectation of peaceful gathering and will help mitigate any safety concerns that emerge. 

Related: USF can place protest restrictions, First Amendment expert says

The updated policy also requires organizations to get pre-approved to use displays on campus.

Personally, I hate being force fed propaganda depicting mangled fetuses coming to and from classes. I couldn’t be more happy that USF is no longer a safe space for organizations to spread their misleading imagery and misinformation.

Now that USF no longer has a free-for-all approach for who is allowed to hold displays, we should be seeing less manipulative and disturbing content at our very own campus.

Policy 6-028 limits how loud protesters can be, as reservations must be approved before organizations can use amplified sound during demonstrations.

This addition to the student code of conduct will eliminate disruptive sounds and prevent protesters from interacting with students who are just trying to move from one building to the next.

By filtering through who can project their voice, USF can continue to foster an academic that is respectful to those who are studying and learning nearby.

“I think the policy does a good job of respecting the universities right to enforce time, place and manner restrictions while also ensuring that USF is a campus of free speech,” Messiah said.

Related: USF leaders should condemn violence against protesters

Some groups have criticized the new updates as a violation of the First Amendment, specifically the rights to free speech and to peaceful assembly.

However, the policy update balances students’ First Amendment rights while ensuring that gatherings are orderly and respectful. It does so by allowing for gatherings, while regulating noise and displays that are interruptive. 

“Since there is a real danger in chaotic times like these in creating bad, reactive rules from extreme circumstances, it makes me so glad that USF didn’t give in,” Messiah said.