UH withdraws policy critics say limited free speech

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The University of Hawaii has withdrawn a controversial policy that limited free expression on its 10 campuses.

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The “Time, Place and Manner Policy” restricted gathering volume levels, limited protest locations, and added chalking guidelines.

UH announced the policy in June, before it went into effect on an interim basis July 1.

In a letter to the university community Wednesday, President Wendy Hensel said the policy would be withdrawn effective immediately after hearing from students, faculty and staff.

“At the University of Hawaiʻi, our community has a rich, proud history of peaceful protest. It is essential that our policies not only withstand constitutional scrutiny on paper, but also maintain the trust and confidence of the people they govern,” Hensel wrote. “Your concerns have been heard.”

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The ACLU is among the organizations that raised concerns about policy.

In a letter to Hensel on Aug. 21 the ACLU said the implementation of the policy was premature and that it would have a chilling effect on protests.

“We are especially concerned by the 25-foot buffer zones and the extremely restrictive policies regarding specific forms of protest, including chalking, sit-ins, and posting written materials,” the ACLU wrote. “Taken together, these policies will restrict most forms of student speech and likely discourage students from engaging in protest activity altogether.”

Hensel said talks to refine the TPM policy and procedures would continue and that in-person listening sessions would be held throughout the semester.

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