Chalking on Campus

6:056 Chalking on Campus

Adopted Date: June 1, 2017

Revised Date: 

Responsible Office:
Operations Administration

Policy Statement

The University of Missouri-Columbia acknowledges that chalking, within certain reasonable limits, is a permissible way to promote programs and events, make announcements, share messages, and express ideas. The following has been established to allow chalking while ensuring that University property, equipment, and facilities are protected and maintained.

Chalking on sidewalks or plaza areas is allowed subject to the specific restrictions and parameters outlined below.

This policy applies to all employees, students, University affiliates, contractors, and visitors.

Definitions

Chalking

Chalking is the use of a water-soluble substance, or a substance washable by water or rain, to write or draw on sidewalks or plaza areas.

Procedures

Prohibited Chalking Methods

Chalking is prohibited when it involves:

  • Paint
  • Aerosol spray chalk
  • Chalk paint
  • Any writing or drawing on surfaces not exposed to the elements, including the interior of buildings
  • Chalking on brick surfaces or brick pavers
  • Chalking on vertical outdoor surfaces, including but not limited to:
    • Buildings
    • Walls
    • Planters
    • Doors
    • Trash receptacles
    • Steps
    • Bridges
    • Fountains
    • Benches
    • Tables
    • Signs
    • Poles
    • Columns
    • Bus stops
    • Light posts
    • Trees
    • Glass
    • Windows
    • Pilings
    • Painted surfaces
    • Traffic signs
    • Emergency call phones
    • Fixtures
    • Newsstands
    • Advertisement dispensers
    • Utility boxes

Prohibited Locations

Chalking is prohibited in the following areas:

  • Within 25 feet of any building entrance.
  • Traditions Plaza.
  • Sidewalks on Carnahan Quadrangle.
  • Sidewalks on Francis Quadrangle.
  • Sidewalks within 100 feet of, or on any street adjacent to, any hospital, office building, clinic, or medical facility within the MU Health Care System.

Existing Chalking

Defacing or erasing existing chalking is prohibited except by:

  • The individual or organization that created the chalking.
  • University facilities and maintenance personnel performing routine maintenance.

Illegal Chalking

Chalking that violates federal or state law is prohibited unless protected by rights of free speech and expression under the United States Constitution or the Constitution of the State of Missouri.

Complaint Procedure  

Complaints regarding chalking or other writing or drawing on a surface on University property should be directed to the office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Facilities, avcfacilities@missouri.edu, or call 573-882-4097.

Upon receipt of a complaint, this office shall determine whether the chalking, writing, or drawing complies with this policy.

If a violation is found:

  • The responsible individual or organization may be instructed to remove the chalking.
  • The University may remove the chalking immediately if necessary.

Resources

Offices

Cross References