Board of Governors approves free-speech policy for UNC campuses

Chapel Hill, N.C. — The University of North Carolina's Board of Governors approved without debate Friday a policy designed to limit disruptions of speakers and meetings on UNC campuses.

State lawmakers this spring passed a measure calling for the Board of Governors to adopt a policy to "restore and preserve campus free speech." Backers of the legislation said public speakers on college campuses have sometimes been shouted down by protesters who didn't agree with their ideas.

"Students, staff and faculty shall be permitted to assemble and engage in spontaneous expressive activity as long as such activity is lawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the constituent institution," the policy reads.

"Substantial disruption" is defined as violating a trespass notice or an established curfew or taking an action considered disorderly conduct or a disruption under state law.

Read more: http://www.wral.com/board-of-governors-approves-free-speech-policy-for-unc-campuses/17188508/