University of California, Santa Barbara
   

Protest Information

Photo of people at a protest in downtown Santa Barbara wearing facial coverings due to COVID-19

General Guidance

The University encourages all who choose to engage in protest activity to do so safely. Below are some suggestions for doing so:

  • Refrain from speech that incites others to commit acts of violence such as pushing, kicking or spitting on others, or other unlawful actions. (Such expression may not be protected by the First Amendment.)
  • Avoid activity that infringes on the rights of others, such as blocking and preventing the movement or access of others.
  • Leave the area where others are engaging in illegal activities and acts of violence. Your presence may be interpreted as participating in a riot or other illegal group action.
  • Staying overnight in a campus building after hours is prohibited. Furthermore, campus facilities and grounds are closed to the public, with the exception of Coastal Access, due to current public health restrictions in place.
  • Follow the lawful instructions of a police officer or public official (including University staff), such as staying behind barricades, dispersing from an area declared an unlawful assembly, and not resisting arrest. It is against the law to disobey a lawful order by a police officer.


Make informed decisions

If you choose to engage in civil disobedience and get arrested, know the potential consequences before you engage in protest activity. While free expression is the right of all members of our campus community, consequences for civil disobedience and other violations of the law may carry different consequences for certain individuals. For more information:


Reporting misconduct by a law enforcement officer and/or public official

If you believe your rights have been violated by a law enforcement officer or other public official, ask for their name and badge number (if a law enforcement officer) and file a complaint after the situation has calmed down or concluded.

Formal complaints or grievances may be filed with the UCPD or the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office or the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, depending on the agency or official involved.

Additional support is available from the A.S. Student Advocate General's Office and the Office of the Ombuds. 

Learn More

Additional information about Freedom of Expression and Protests can be found on the Dean of Students Office website.

Keep Gauchos Safe - Cover Your Face - 1 Make sure your face covering covers both the mouth and the nose - 2 Wash and dry your face covering ideally after each use but at least daily, in hot temperatures - 3 Continue to practice safe social distsancing

Regulations Specific to COVID-19

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in cases in Isla Vista and throughout our county in recent weeks, our continued vigilance is critical to ensure that protests, demonstrations, and other congregations don’t contribute to the spread of the disease. 

  • The County of Santa Barbara has clarified that outdoor protests are permitted when physical distancing of six feet is maintained.

  • Face coverings should be worn at all times when in public, except where expressly exempted.


If you are outside of Santa Barbara County, please check with your local public health department or other government agency to learn about recommendations and regulations in place in light of COVID-19.

All University recommendations with regard to safer protest in the age of COVID-19 are intended to be consistent with the University's legal right to implement content-neutral "time, place, and manner" restrictions with regard to expression. None of these recommendations are intended to abridge or impair any individual's or group's Constitutionally-afforded rights to free expression.