Civil Disobedience
Protests and civil disobedience have played a historic role on university campuses, in bringing important and beneficial changes within society and in the development of our democracy. However, civil disobedience is not protected speech under the Constitution. The Constitution does not guarantee any right to engage in civil disobedience—which, by its very definition, involves the violation of laws or regulations—without incurring consequences. Civil disobedience may have a negative effect on the protected interests of others and may interfere with university business or threaten public safety or university assets in ways that require the university to act to protect those other interests.
What can the university bring disciplinary charges against me for?
The following is an illustrative list of violations of university policy:
- Destruction of or damage to university property (PACAOS 102.04)
- Abuse of university electronic resources and systems (PACAOS 102.05)
- Physical abuse or threats (PACAOS 102.08)
- Obstructing or disrupting university activities (PACAOS 102.13)
- Disorderly or lewd conduct (PACAOS 102.14)
- Unlawful assembly (PACAOS 102.15)
- Failure to provide identification to or comply with directions of university official (PACAOS 102.16, Code of Student Conduct)
- Failure to comply with exclusion from or order to leave university property (PPM 390, Code of Student Conduct)
What can the police charge me with?
The following is an illustrative list of violations of state and federal law:
- Resisting arrest or delaying a peace officer (Penal Code § 148)
- Assault and battery (Penal Code §§ 240-248)
- Disrupting a public meeting (Penal Code § 403)
- Attempting to free a person who has just been arrested (Penal Code § 405a)
- Riot and unlawful assembly (Penal Code § 404-408)
- Failure to disperse (Penal Code §§ 409)
- Disturbing the peace (Penal Code § 415)
- Vandalism/graffiti (Penal Code § 594)
- Trespassing (Penal Code § 602)
- Refusing to obey a peace officer who is enforcing the Vehicle Code (Vehicle - Code § 2800(a))
- Using force, a threat of force or physical obstruction to interfere with a person’s right to reproductive health services or to attend a place of religious worship (18.U.S.C. § 248)
Report Violations and Concerns
If you believe your rights have been violated or that you have witnessed an act of hate, bias, discrimination or harassment, learn how and where to report it.
- Learn how to report rights violations
- Learn how to report hate and bias
