Political activities and demonstrations | Student life | Policy and Regulations

Campus protests have been part of the fabric of higher education for many years and are part of the process of voicing concerns, responding to, and supporting the needs of students and society at large. Protests are one element of organizing around change on a college campus, and while they are the most visible, they are often the culmination of many hours of work by student organizers.

Whether you are considering taking part in a demonstration or are familiar with protest experiences, we want to provide useful tools to help you make the most of your experience. Below is a list of resources you can use to plan demonstrations/participation on and off campus.

Learn more about activism and advocacy

If you’re new to activism on a college campus, these articles may be helpful in determining the best way to bring change to Seattle University.

What is activism? (Now the culture lasted)

Why being a student activist is more than just being mad about something (Huffington Post)

Campus organizing guide for social justice groups (campus activism)

Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide (SPLC)

The Election Effect (documentary series)

Decision making and resources on campus

Learning more about how decisions are made at Seattle University is an important aspect of advocacy. Below are some links to on-campus resources that may help you better understand the inner workings and management of SU.

SU institutional management structure

Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

Office of Institutional Capital

Seattle University Student Government (undergraduate student government)

Graduate Student Council (graduate student government)

Campus Activism and Social Justice Clubs (ConnectSU)

Planning a demonstration on campus

At what stage will planning a demonstration help shape your support? It is important to know the process of registering and maintaining a demo. To register your demonstration, please contact the Student Engagement Center at least 48 hours prior to the event by visiting the Student Engagement Center (STCN 350), emailing [email protected], or calling (206) 296-6465 and requesting director for an interview.

For a quick overview, check out the Demo Cheat Sheet by clicking the link on the right.

Here are important links to remember:

Student Code of Conduct (issued in the Dean’s Office) and aspects to be checked:

• Seattle University Mission, Vision and Values
• Redhawk Commitment
• Standards of conduct
• Freedom of speech (section 4.8) and demonstrations

Conference and event services to book your demonstration space

Public Safety to discuss security measures, safety of protesters and, if necessary, response to protests

How to organize an effective, safe and peaceful protest (medium)

The Art of Protest: How to Organize a Protest that Gets Results (Huffington Post)

Planning/participating in an off-campus demonstration

The City of Seattle Office of Special Events for planning and implementing the demonstrations in Seattle

Wellness resources

Tips for safe protests

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) located in Pavilion 120

Campus Ministry located in Student Center 120

Wellness and Health Promotion located in Student Center 380

Other resources

Contact your academic department to find out what classes you can take to learn more about activism, advocacy, social justice, equity, inclusion, etc., and how your voice can make a difference.