Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order

Pursuant to Article 129-A of the New York State Education Law (as amended), the New York State Legislature requires all colleges and universities to adopt rules for the maintenance of public order governing the conduct of students, faculty, staff, or other persons on college property.

Pratt Institute’s mission is to educate students to become creative, responsible professionals who will contribute fully to society. The Institute upholds values and standards that support that mission and holds high expectations regarding the conduct of students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Above all, we respect one another and behave in ways that advance the free association of people and ideas. We cherish the diversity represented by our people and their disparate values and ideas.

Pratt students, faculty, and staff have the right to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and express their views and opinions publicly and privately. This right must be exercised in a manner that does not interfere with or disrupt the same rights and freedoms of others, may not make improper use of Institute facilities, and may not disrupt the regular and essential operations of the Institute or prevent or limit an individual’s ability to participate in classes, events, programs or activities.

1. RULES

Under Article 129-A of the Educational Law

Pratt Institute has adopted written rules (8 NYCRR §535) for the maintenance of public order on Pratt campuses and other campus properties used for educational purposes under NYS Education Law §6430.

  1. All members of the Pratt community are expected to uphold Pratt Institute’s Community Standards.
  2. Regarding Freedom of Speech and Assembly, Pratt community members are expected to abide by the Guidance for Public Gatherings (Demonstrations, Protests, Vigils).
  3. Pratt community members shall not intentionally obstruct and/or forcibly prevent others from the exercise of their rights.
  4. No community member shall interfere with the institution’s educational processes or facilities, or the rights of those who wish to avail themselves of any of the institution’s instructional, personal, administrative, recreational, and community services.
  5. Members of the Pratt community are required to show their identification cards when requested to do so by an official of the Institute.
  6. Unauthorized occupancy of Institute facilities or blocking access to or from such areas is prohibited. Permission from appropriate Institute authorities must be obtained for removal, relocation, and use of Institute equipment and/or supplies.
  7. Theft from, or damage to Institute premises or property, or theft of or damage to property of any person on Pratt’s premises is prohibited.
  8. Any form of physical or verbal intimidation, coercion, or altercation (fighting) on Institute property is prohibited.
  9. Bullying, spreading misinformation on social media platforms, or other behavior that disrupts a community member’s ability to learn, work, and teach is prohibited.
  10. Any deliberate action that does or might cause injury to another person is prohibited.
  11. Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers an individual’s mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs is prohibited.
  12. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs or other controlled substances by Institute students or employees on Pratt’s premises is prohibited.
  13.  The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol by students or employees on Pratt’s premises is prohibited.

2. PENALTIES

  1. Sanctions for violation of these Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order, Community Standards, and related policies may include a verbal warning, written warning, suspension, expulsion, ejection, termination, restitution, and/or arrest by law enforcement, as circumstances warrant or dictate. 
  2. Any visitor, licensee, or invitee, engaging in any manner in conduct prohibited shall be subject to ejection, and/or arrest as circumstances warrant or dictate. Any organization which authorized the conduct prohibited shall have its permission to operate on campus rescinded.