University News

 FAQ: Boston University’s Signage and Posted Materials Policies

Answers to some of the recent questions about BU’s policies and practices related to flags and signs posted in office windows and other outward-facing places

Editor’s note: On April 6, Boston University President Melissa Gilliam announced the University would temporarily pause the removal of outward-facing signs. In a letter to the University community, Gilliam expressed her unequivocal support for Boston University’s LGBTQIA+ community, and wrote that “we will continue having conversations with students, faculty, and staff. We will seek additional ways to support our community. And we will develop new opportunities to discuss the complex issues raised by the policy and its application.” Read the full letter online here.

Questions about Boston University’s policies on flags and other posted items have swirled in recent weeks and throughout the academic year. Boston University administrators, including President Melissa Gilliam and Derek Howe, senior vice president for operations, addressed questions raised by faculty and staff during two wide-ranging meetings on March 18 and 19. 

During those meetings, both Gilliam and Howe shared the ways community members can express themselves in allowable spaces, referring to Time, Place and Manner rules outlined in the Boston University Events and Demonstrations Policy and the Publications & Publicity Policy.

BU Today spoke with a variety of University officials to get answers to the following frequently asked questions.

What is the University’s policy on outward-facing signage on University property?

The University encourages and embraces individual expression. Community members are invited to share content on interior walls of offices or student residences and in other designated areas, such as free expression boards.

The University does not permit members of the community to post signs, placards, banners, or similar materials on outward-facing University property, which includes walls, windows, and doors. BU takes a content-neutral, consistent approach to enforcing this policy.  

Why does the University have this policy? 

BU supports individual expression and provides places for that expression, even if those items convey unpopular viewpoints. In this way, the University allows all viewpoints to be shared, regardless of content.

It is important, however, to maintain a clear distinction between individual viewpoints and those expressed by the University. In other words, individuals may say what they want; however, they speak for themselves and not for the University. The policy on outward-facing signage is designed to prevent individuals from speaking for the institution, and that is why the University prohibits students, faculty, and staff from posting on outward-facing University property.

In both situations, the University does not make judgments based on content, which avoids censorship and promotes free expression.

We recognize that there are differing perspectives on this policy and how it is applied, and that dialogue is an important part of academic life. We welcome continued engagement with faculty, staff, and the broader community as we move forward.

What kinds of items does this policy apply to?

Depending on the situation, the policy may apply to items such as signs, printed statements, flags, posters, banners, or other materials affixed to University property for display.

Is this policy about Pride flags?

No. This policy applies to all outward-facing signage posted by students, faculty, and staff—regardless of content or viewpoint. 

Pride flags carry deep meaning for many members of the BU community, signaling identity, belonging, and support. The University recognizes and respects the importance of that meaning for individuals and the wider LGBTQIA+ community. At the same time, the University’s policy must be applied consistently across all types of signage and messages. 

Does this mean the University does not support its LGBTQIA+ community?

No, far from it. As President Gilliam told large groups of faculty and staff last week, the University’s support for its LGBTQIA+ community remains strong and ongoing. LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff are an essential part of the University, and BU officials continue to support programs, resources, and spaces that help ensure all members of the community feel welcome, respected, and able to thrive. This policy on signage does not change that commitment. 

Does the policy restrict free expression or academic freedom? 

No. Members of the University community continue to have broad opportunities to express their views in many ways, including through teaching, research, scholarship, events, demonstrations, publications, social media, and dialogue. This policy addresses one specific area—outward-facing signage on University property—not the content of expression itself. 

What signage is allowed at an event?   

The University does not allow “unattended” signage during any event. Signs, flags, banners, or other materials that are left in place without an individual present are considered unattended signage. This includes, for example, signage affixed to walls, windows, doors, or furniture.   

Signs that are held or carried by individuals during events, demonstrations, or other activities are not considered unattended signage. 

Where can faculty, staff, and students express their views?

Community members can take part in a wide range of expressive activity, including, but not limited to: 

Can a faculty or staff member post a sign on the interior wall of their office even if it’s viewable from the outside?

Yes, posting on interior walls of offices is permissible, even if viewable from the outside. This is because interior postings constitute expression that is clearly associated with the individual who has been given that space for their office, whereas outward-facing postings become institutional speech.  

Why might some outward-facing displays still be visible?

Generally, the University’s approach is to begin with direct outreach and conversation rather than immediate removal. Because of that, enforcement may not always appear uniform at a given moment. In some cases, a display may remain in place while a conversation is underway. This reflects an effort to address these situations through communication and respect.  

Is this a new policy?

No. The policy has been in effect since 1982. As with many University policies, there may be times when additional clarity or more consistent application is needed. In recent years, and particularly since last spring, the University has been working to apply the policy more consistently across its campuses.

Is the University changing its commitment to inclusion?  

No. The University’s values of inclusion and community remain foundational. BU continues to support programs, services, and resources that foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all people. 

Is this policy being driven by outside political pressure?

No. Universities across the country are operating in a complex and evolving legal and regulatory environment. As part of that, institutions regularly review policies and practices. This policy, however, is grounded in the University’s approach to managing shared campus spaces and supporting expression in appropriate ways. 

How are concerns about signage handled?

The University typically begins by contacting the relevant individual, department, or office to explain the policy, answer questions, and request that the signage be moved to an appropriate location. The goal is to handle these situations respectfully and consistently. 

Who can I contact with questions or concerns? 

Faculty who have questions about this policy or its application should contact their dean; staff should contact their unit leader; and students should contact the Office of the Dean of Students. The University also welcomes continued dialogue through appropriate campus channels and shared governance processes.