Freedom of Expression at George Mason

• A lawful public gathering that complies with all university policies may be held outdoors on campus without a space reservation UNLESS it meets one of the requirements for an approved space reservation stated in Policy 1103.
•  Outdoor events that fall into any of the below categories REQUIRE a space reservation:
  • Use amplified sound as outlined in Policy 1128
  • Place any item or structure (e.g., tables, billboards, tents, easels, stages, equipment, chairs) on university property as part of the event, any item or structure placed on university property must be removed at the conclusion of the reservation, unless an exception is provided by University Events;
  • Has the potential to impede university operations, pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or block ingress or egress to Facilities;
  • Will, utilize university resources (e.g., power, water, standing structures, environmental resources);
  • Will involve the outdoor use of heating devices, generators, or the use of portable toilets;
  • May last more than four hours.

If your event falls into one of the categories listed in Policy 1103 that requires a space reservation, you MUST have a space reservation to hold your outdoor event.  Outdoor events that require a space reservation may not be held in unreservable space or in reservable space during times when the space is not available for reservation.  Please refer to Policy 1103 for when an outdoor event must have a space reservation. Additionally, all outdoor gatherings:

• May not use amplified sound, chants, or shouting that disrupts university operations or other scheduled events.
• May not impede academic, administrative, or commercial operations.
• May not obstruct building entrances or exits or otherwise impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic on campus.
• May not block roadways, fire lanes, ADA access routes, or obstruct emergency vehicle access.
• May not occur in outdoor space reserved for another event or disrupt other scheduled events.
• Camping tents and outdoor camping (including sleeping outside overnight) are prohibited.

• Must comply with all laws and university policies
• May not use amplified sound, chants, or shouting that disrupt university operations.
• May not impede academic, administrative, or commercial operations.
• May not obstruct building entrances or exits or otherwise impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic on campus.
• May not occupy reserved spaces, classrooms, offices, or other areas in a manner that disrupts or prohibits university academic, administrative, or business functions.
• Members of the general public (i.e., not students or employees of George Mason) may only enter George Mason’s buildings if they have a business or educational reason closely related to the university's mission and programs.

• For all events that require a space reservation, as part of making a space reservation, an individual must be identified who will be present at the event and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all laws and university policies during the event.
• Stationary objects may be prohibited in other areas where they impede the operation of the university or create a safety hazard. Events may not create a safety hazard to participants, the public, university property, or the environment or create unsanitary conditions.   The use of hazardous materials, pyrotechnics, or projectiles is prohibited.
• Event organizers may not erect unapproved temporary structures (e.g., tents or other structures that can be occupied by an individual).  Any approved tent or temporary structure must be removed by the end of the reservation and may not remain up overnight (except as provided in Policy 1103).
• Any item or structure placed on University property must be removed at the conclusion of the event, unless an exception is provided by University Events.