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Relevant Excerpt

Spontaneous Speech

For University affiliates, all generally accessible outdoor areas of the University campus where members of the campus community are commonly allowed are open for expressive activities except for the following:

• Areas within fifty (50) feet of academic buildings (between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.); and
• Areas within fifty (50) feet of residential housing buildings (between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.)
• Any spontaneous speech activity during the week prior to final exams or the week of final exams must: 1) be limited to no more than 15 participants, and 2) refrain from making any noise or sounds that can be heard in any adjacent buildings where students may be studying or taking exams.

Reservations for spontaneous or contemporaneous protected expressive activities are not required for members of University affiliates but are strongly encouraged so that University personnel can be better able to plan for the protection and safety of event participants, including any protesters and counterprotestors, and ordinary logistical and operational concerns, such as lawn irrigation, planned maintenance, and/or other campus operations. Priority for use of the space will be given, first to those with reservations and then on a first-come, first-serve basis based on the order in which the University receives notice. To facilitate the use of campus spaces for speech by the entirety of the campus community, no spontaneous speech or expressive activity event may last more than two hours. A shorter limit of time may be imposed, or the exhibit or demonstration may be relocated by the University, if a reservation has already been made for the desired space and time. Although reservations are not required for spontaneous or contemporaneous protected expressive activities, UA requests that University affiliates notify the University by sending an email to groundspermits@ua.edu with the following information:

1. Contact information for the event organizer (e.g. name, cellphone number, e-mail, etc.);
2. Which areas of campus will be utilized;
3. The time the activity is expected to begin and end; and
4. A general description of the activity.

University affiliates' use of the generally accessible outdoor areas of the University campus for spontaneous or contemporaneous protected expressive activities may be denied for the following reasons:

1. The space is already reserved for another event;
2. The activity will attract a crowd larger than the venue can safely contain;
3. The activity will significantly and substantially disrupt University operations (including classes);
4. The activity is a clear and present danger to public safety; or
5. The activity is unlawful.