UNO and NU System Safety Policies Reminder

With reports of protests planned in the state of Nebraska and across the country, the UNO Department of Public Safety would like to remind our campus community of relevant UNO and NU System safety policies.

Please know that our team of officers is closely monitoring this situation and is dedicated to keeping our campus safe and supporting the free exchange of ideas in the pursuit of growth and knowledge. A comprehensive list of services offered to the UNO campus by the Department of Public Safety can be found on our website.

If you choose to make your voice heard in the coming days and weeks, please take the time to read each of the following policies in full to promote not only your own safety and wellbeing, but the university community’s as well.

Need to report? Call 402.554.2648 or, in the event of an emergency, 402.554.2911.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Evans
Chief of Police and Assistant Vice Chancellor
UNO-UNMC Department of Public Safety

Free Speech and Expression

The NU System Commitment to Free Expression Policy (6.4.10) underscores the System’s commitment freedom of expression and the University’s mission of teaching, research and public service.

The policy states that “freedom of speech” and “freedom of expression” refer to one’s Constitutional right to articulate and express ideas and opinions, through any means, i.e. speaking, writing, or artistic expression, without fear of government retaliation, censorship, or other sanction. The University of Nebraska is a public institution of higher education, which holds dear this right, a right that is indispensable to its ability to transmit knowledge and fundamental to the University community’s pursuit to discover, explore, interpret, and question knowledge and opinions.

Campus Demonstrations

The NU System’s Campus Disorders and Administrative Response policy (2.1.2) states that members of the academic community, including the guests of the University, have the right to extensive latitude in making their opinions known. It is understood, however, that in exercising this right the rights of others must not be jeopardized. The public exploration and resolution of differing views can be successful only when groups and individuals discuss the issues in forums where the right to disagree, speak freely, and be heard is preserved. Within this context, the University community recognizes peaceful demonstrations as a legitimate means of expressing one’s opinion.

Facilities Usage and Designated Public Forum Areas

UNO’s Regulations on the Use of University Facilities and Grounds policy states that while UNO property is not open to unrestricted public access, many spaces are available for use by faculty and staff, students, student groups, and members of the public, with appropriate approval and when scheduled in advance. It is the policy of UNO that spaces in its facilities offer a positive, safe environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors. The primary purpose of these facilities is to conduct the business of UNO’s education, research and public service missions.

All individuals or groups, including UNO students, faculty, staff, and University Groups, wishing to use University facilities classified as a Designated Public Forum Area or Facility (see Definitions in the full policy) will submit a completed Application for Facility Use form to the appropriate scheduling authority sufficiently in advance.

Concealed Weapons and Firearms

The NU System’s Possession of Concealed Weapons and Firearms Policy (6.4.8) states that the possession of concealed weapons on property controlled by the University of Nebraska is prohibited. This ban applies to University of Nebraska vehicles, and events sponsored by the University. This policy applies to all members of the general public, students, and University employees, except University employees who are specifically authorized to carry concealed weapons as part of their job responsibilities.

See Something. Say Something.

All UNO students, faculty, and staff can utilize UNO’s Bias and Hate Incidents website when they witness or experience racist, bigoted, biased, and prejudiced activity on our campus.