The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our everyday lives including how we gather and raise our voices when participating in demonstrations, rallies and protests. Student activism can be the catalyst for change and we support the right to peaceably participate in such activities. While our campus remains closed for large gatherings, the Dean of Students Office is available to assist and serve as a resource for First Amendment activities on campus. We have established the following tips to address concerns of safety as any large gathering can place participants at risk for the virus.

For Participants:

• In keeping with CDC recommendations, please stay home if you do not feel well or have a serious health condition. Consider ways to support through other options (have water/snacks delivered, market the event through social media, vote, or contact legislators in your community.
• Wear face coverings correctly. Make sure your face covering fully covers your nose, mouth and chin; this will help prevent droplets from spreading if you decide to chant. Remember that you can spread COVID-19 even if you do not have any symptoms.
• Hydrate before and after the event.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat…we live in the desert!
• Carry only what you need to keep you safe. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer, a face covering, your own water bottle, snacks, an ID, and any medication you may need (for example, an inhaler).
• Physical distancing is still important. Keep as much physical distance as possible between yourself and people that are not part of your group.
• Keep practicing healthy hand hygiene. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid touching others. Also avoid touching your face. If you must touch your face to adjust your face covering, use hand sanitizer before and after. 
• Bring your own (BYO) supplies and do not share. Avoid sharing water bottles, microphones or megaphones.
• Consider when you may need to leave an unsafe situation. Take inventory of your surroundings. If the behavior around you makes you feel uncomfortable…. leave. Take care of your physical and mental health.
• Once the protest is over, avoid contact with others who may be at greater risk for contracting COVID-19.
• Wash your hands.
• If you feel you have been exposed, please consider reviewing the information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website located at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Campus Health is testing faculty, staff and students for COVID-19 - please call (520) 621-9202 to speak with a provider. 

For Leaders:

• If you are partnering with another organization, you are encouraged to ask questions to determine if the event goals of each group are in alignment and compliment one another.
• If you notice behavior from individuals either before or during your event that is not in alignment with your expectations or compromises the safety of your participants, please contact the Dean of Students office at (520) 621-6057 or if an emergency call 911.
• Make announcements to your participants about social distancing, wearing face coverings and keeping hydrated. If you are providing EMT service, please let participants know and how to identify them.
• Point out the leaders in your group so if participants have questions they can follow up with them directly at the event.

For questions regarding reservation space and amplification, please contact Cheryl Plummer at cplummer@email.arizona.edu or 520-626-2630.

For questions regarding First Amendment Issues, please contact us at DOS-deanofstudents@email.arizona.edu