The University of Oregon (UO) has a long history as a site of demonstrations and protests reflecting concerns directly related to campus, the community, nation, and world.   

At the UO, established guidelines protect the right to free speech, while ensuring that opposing views may also be expressed. The university strives to balance the right to dissent with the right to be heard, the right to speak one’s mind with the right to listen. The university applies its rules and expectations in a manner neutral to the viewpoints expressed.  

The Demonstration Education Safety Team (DEST) provides education around the guidelines for freedom of expression activities on campus. DEST is also committed to ensuring that campus events are protected and allowed to flourish within our established university policies. Sometimes event activities violate established policies, impact the operations of the university, or threaten community safety. By gathering documentation from media accounts, publicly available social media posts, and team member accounts, DEST creates an accurate record of activities to ensure consistency and transparency. It is important to note that DEST is not a decision-making body regarding conduct or discipline. The designated university Demonstration Education & Safety Team includes representatives from the following units:  

• Dean of Students Office
• Safety & Risk Services
• University Communications
• UO Police Department
• Erb Memorial Union
• Chiefs of Staff  
• General Counsel  
• Government & Community Relations 

Questions about the team can be directed to uodest@uoregon.edu. 

For more information visit Free Speech and Safety at UO.