»Chapman Frequently Asked Questions
Colleges and universities are often microcosms of the topics and challenges facing society as a whole. Chapman University aims to provide a safe environment that provides all members of the Chapman community with the resources and support necessary to succeed amid an evolving landscape of social, political and public health issues.
Chapman’s Office of Marketing and Communications provides background information on topics of current and continuing interest to members of the university community, alumni, the general public and the media.
What is Chapman’s encampment policy? Are students allowed to encamp?
The Unauthorized Use of University Property and Facilities policy now more clearly
specifies what uses of property and facilities are unauthorized. Some of the unauthorized
uses of University property and facilities includes that camping of any kind will
not be permitted on the Chapman campuses as of the effective date of the policy. This
includes setting up bedding, tents, etc.
As of Sept. 17, 2024
What is Chapman’s Free Speech Policy? Why are you allowing these protests?
Free speech and academic freedom are hallmarks of Chapman University—ideals that we uphold and practice every day in our classrooms, in our halls and across our campuses. We fully support free speech, including protests and demonstrations, and we encourage and nurture civil discourse. Free speech does not include harassment, threatening behavior, or racial slurs.
Protests and other forms of freedom of speech/expression will continue to be supported consistent with university policies. The university believes that freedom of expression is central to upholding a diversity of ideas, to learning how to engage in civil discourse, to learning how to live within the marketplace of ideas, some evidence-backed, and some opinions. Prohibiting this expression, even when those ideas may seem distasteful or offensive, undermines the very foundation of free inquiry and speech the university values.Why did Chapman vote not to divest?
OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY STATEMENT
As promised [last spring], Chapman University’s Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees agreed to consider proposals from students on the topic of divestment, which it heard at its Sept. 10 meeting. Leading up to the committee meeting, Chapman leadership met and engaged with students several times in the spirit of collaboration and learning.
The Investment Committee has declined to divest from its investments. Trustee Jim Burra, who chairs the committee, noted: “We have a fiduciary responsibility to preserve and grow the endowment, which directly supports the mission of the university. It is important that we make financial decisions based on risk and return.”
What is being done to keep students safe on campus?
What is being done about chalking/fliers/signage on campus? What are the rules around chalking/fliers/signage?
We ensure students follow the parameters included in the posting policy (i.e., such as requiring recognized student groups to identify themselves on their postings, etc.), but our approach is content neutral (excluding violations of policy/law).
Students have the right to express criticism – sometimes even in vulgar terms – of governments and institutions. We would permit such criticism of the US government and even of Chapman, so it would not be consistent for us to prohibit criticism of Israel or any other country.
More generally speaking, University policy determines whether a student group is eligible to chalk (or post flyers, etc.), but we do not censor the messages of eligible groups unless it is determined that they violate the law (which is a very, very high bar).
n short,we are neutral on the content of messaging unless it violates the law or our Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy (link tk)
What is being done about harassment?
Chapman is unwavering in its policy around harassment. It prohibits any form of harassment, discrimination based upon an individual's race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, and national origin…
Any harassing behavior should be referred to the Dean of Students Office to file a report
The University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.
Students have the right to participate in the University’s academic program and related activities in a manner that is free from discrimination.
Discrimination based on race, color, or national origin includes Discrimination based on actual or perceived (i) shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics or (ii) citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity. This could include conduct such as use of ethnic or ancestral slurs; harassment for how a person looks, dresses, or speaks in ways linked to ethnicity or ancestry (e.g. skin color, religious attire, language spoken); or stereotypes based on perceived shared ancestral or ethnic characteristics. Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh individuals are examples of individuals who may experience Discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.
Is Chapman canceling its Israel birthright Israel trips?
My student feels unsafe on campus?
Chapman prioritizes the physical safety of students on campus. Any safety concern should be reported to Public Safety at (714) 997-6763.
Emotional distress can often occur in the marketplace of ideas. And yet we uphold our commitment to free expression as it is a vital part of a college education, as it encourages the debate of ideas, the search for truth, and the opportunity to find common ground.
The following resources are available to any student or faculty/staff member needing additional emotional or mental health support:
Student Psychological Counseling Services
513 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92867 / (714) 288-9779
Fish Interfaith Center Chaplains
interfaith@chapman.edu / (714) 628-7260
Employee Assistance and Support Services (888) 293-6948.
What safety measures are being taken by Chapman?
How will Chapman make sure protest activity does not interfere with campus operations?
Over the summer, the president appointed a task force to elevate Chapman’s policies related to the use of campus property and facilities, including time/place/manner principles.
The Unauthorized Use of University Property and Facilities policy now specifies that encampments and camping of any kind will not be permitted on the Chapman campuses going forward.
The unauthorized use of University property and facilities by members of the University community is sanctionable.
The unauthorized use of University property and facilities by those who are not members of the University community may be considered trespassing and subject to exclusion from the property and potential criminal and civil penalties.