RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – University of North Carolina System leaders are considering new student conduct policies after pro-Palestinian demonstrations broke out on several campuses near the end of the spring semester.
The UNC Board of Governors briefly discussed possible changes to mass gathering rules during their meeting Thursday.
Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy said the conversation was productive as they aim to balance behavioral threats, criminal law, and student discipline.
“Remember the goal is not to stop anybody from doing anything, it’s to allow all those to go to class, to gather, whatever, just not have chaos,” Murphy said.
Demonstrations concerning the Israel-Hamas war resulted in dozens of arrests, several suspensions, and physical confrontations between law enforcement and students across the state.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs Andrew Tripp presented a list of best practices to the Committee on University Governance Wednesday.
The list included suggestions like requiring advance notice to use indoor or “high traffic” outdoor spaces, restricting overnight camping or blocking entrances to academic buildings, ensuring student discipline is handled by “professional employees” rather than student governance boards, and making a violation of federal or state law an automatic violation of student conduct policy.
Tripp said the list was compiled based on a survey of leaders at various institutions.
UNC officials declined an interview with Queen City News. They said the discussions were preliminary and the Board of Governors took no action on the best practices.
Officials may choose to continue the conversation at their next meeting in January.
