Temple University updated its guidelines for campus protests. Learn about the new rules as well as what prompted them and how they could affect students. 

Temple University has updated its on-campus demonstration guidelines amid a surge in student protests, according to The Temple News. The new rules, introduced in August 2024, prohibit demonstrations that disrupt pedestrian or vehicular traffic, cause injury, or damage property. Voice amplifiers are banned inside campus facilities and outside if they disrupt classes.

The revisions follow a year of frequent protests, including those led by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and the Temple Association of University Professionals. Last week, SJP gathered at Charles Library, marched to Alter Hall, and blocked traffic on Broad Street. Temple President Richard Englert condemned their actions, warning of disciplinary action against participants.

Temple sent an email to students emphasizing the Student Conduct Code and demonstration guidelines. “As we routinely do during the summer, university personnel spent time reviewing our existing policies, regulations and guidelines with an eye towards streamlining and clarifying them,” a university spokesperson stated.

Temple is also disciplining students involved in off-campus activities, including a pro-Palestine encampment at Penn’s campus in May, which led to arrests. These students are represented by Solomon Worlds, a staff attorney for the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Worlds released a letter criticizing the university’s disciplinary actions.

One student who faced charges of defiant trespass mentioned being placed on disciplinary probation, which barred them from student leadership roles and studying abroad. The student expressed disappointment, stating that despite their positive academic experience, the university’s disciplinary measures send a negative message about using their education for activism.