Employer Event and Fair Guidance

Expression & Protest Activity

For Participating Employers

The Ohio State University is committed to fostering an environment that supports free expression, peaceful assembly, and open dialogue, while also ensuring that university-sponsored events, such as career fairs, remain accessible, safe, and productive for all participants.

While you may encounter expression or protest activity before or during an event, the university maintains clear behavioral expectations to ensure that activities do not disrupt operations.

What Employers Can Expect

Students, faculty, staff and visitors have the right to peacefully assemble and express their views in ways that do not disrupt the function of the university. During career fairs or nearby spaces, this may include:

Holding signs or distributing materials in non-obstructive ways
Engaging in peaceful picketing or protest
Choosing to walk out or refrain from participating in the event
Participating in nearby demonstrations that remain compliant with university guidelines

These activities are protected forms of expression and are a normal part of a university environment.

Behavior That Is Not Permitted

To ensure events can proceed as scheduled, certain behaviors are not allowed under the university policies, Code of Student Conduct, and University Space Standards.

1. Disruption of Event Operations

Preventing employers from engaging with students
Shouting, silencing, or materially interfering with conversations or presentations
Creating sustained noise that disrupts the event experience

2. Blocking Access or Movement

Obstructing entrances, exits, or walkways
Preventing participants from entering or exiting the event space

3. Unauthorized Setups

Establishing encampments, structures, or stations within event space without prior approval
Using amplified sound (e.g., megaphones) without prior authorization

4. Non-Compliance with University Direction

Engaging in civil disobedience, including refusing to disperse when directed by university officials or law enforcement following warnings regarding non-compliant behavior

5. Unlawful Intimidation or Harassment

Targeting individuals or groups in a way that is threatening or discriminatory, as defined in university policy
Behavior that intentionally interferes with others’ ability to attend or participate in a university program or activity

How the University Supports a Safe Environment

To ensure events run smoothly, the university actively manages campus activity:

Campus Activism and Event Engagement Team
Present at major events to monitor activity, communicate with students, and de-escalate situations if needed
Event & Security Coordination
University staff and event partners ensure compliance with space usage and safety expectations
Clear Policy Enforcement
University officials may intervene if activity becomes disruptive or violates policy

What Employers Should Do (and Not Do)

Avoid

Directly engaging with or confronting protestors
Attempting to enforce rules independently
Escalating interactions

Ohio State supports free speech and expression on our campus and has content-neutral rules that apply to all activities on campus.

While peaceful protest may occur, employers can expect that career fairs will remain structured, well-supported, and fully operational. Clear guidelines outlined in university rules are in place to minimize disruption and ensure a positive experience for all participants. If you have concerns that your organization may be the focus of protest, please contact your career fair event planner to discuss alternative recruiting engagement options.

If You Need Support During the Event

If you experience any concerns during the career fair, please immediately contact:

Career Services event organizer: Listed on Handshake
Director of Career Services: Listed on Handshake
Non-emergency safety concerns: 614-292-2121
Emergency: 9-1-1