By Barley Lewis-McCabe

he newest alteration to the Time, Place, Manner policies requires an additional form to be filled out through conference and event services in order to chalk, stake, or put up posters, banners or tables. As per the email sent out, same-day options are available for posters and tabling, but it’s advised to allow a two-day waiting period for any request.

Contrary to popular belief, the chalking and promotional materials policy itself have not changed; rather, the new form was implemented with the goal of making the process to advertise easier. Still, some students felt puzzled about why the change is being pushed. Junior Tatiana Bond of the Marching Lumberjacks spoke on the issue.

“As of right now, I haven’t seen any major differences, except having to fill out the application  that’s a bit longer,” Bond said. “I think people who I talk with just view this as a bit of an annoyance of having to fill out more, but not an issue fully.” 

 Heather Honig, Dean of Students Office Administrator, discussed their ambitions for the new form. 

“The result should be fewer barriers for students and organizations who want to share their messages, while ensuring the University can respond promptly and consistently,” Hoing said.

Junior Aubrey Coyne, vice president of recruitment for the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, talked about some of her confusions with the policy.

 “I just think the whole overall thing is just strange, but I don’t think I’m part of the group most largely affected,” Coyne said. “[Those are] maybe people that don’t align with the image that the [California State University] system is trying to present.”

Coyne speculated on the cause for the increased protocol as a response to the pro-Palestine protests from spring 2024.

“I saw the quad, and there was chalk everywhere,” Coyne said. “And you could tell, nobody within administration had a handle on it while it was going on. I think that lack of control kind of scared them a little bit.” 

Honig opposed this position, stating how the alterations further foster an environment of free speech. 

“It further protects free speech by ensuring that only University officials or the sponsoring organization may remove it,” Honig said. “It helps create a fair, safe, and respectful environment for expression.” 

Barley is the photo editor and an untraditional reporter who focuses on social change and stories with a real human impact. If you’d like to reach him for whatever reason email bl258@humboldt.edu