Letter to the University of Utah Requesting Information Regarding their Permit Process

October 16, 2000

Christine Anderson
University of Utah Scheduling Office
201 South 1460 East
SLC, UT 84112

Dear Christine Anderson:

As you know, the University of Utah will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics at Rice Eccles Stadium. Further, the Olympic Village is located within the University of Utah campus. As with any large event with worldwide media coverage, interested citizens and students are likely to engage in First Amendment expression activities on campus.

In an effort to address this situation the ACLU of Utah has developed a working relationship with the Salt Lake City Police Department to establish First Amendment areas for protesters that may attend events hosted by Salt Lake City. I hope to establish the same kind of relationship with the University of Utah prior to the Olympics. Specifically, I would be interested in any information you can provide regarding applicable permit procedures for First Amendment activities on campus, any changes that may be made to Chapter IX, Policy 8-9 of the University Speech Policies regarding demonstrations or any proposals to create a “First Amendment” area near Rice Eccles Stadium. I would also be interested in arranging a meeting with you and the University’s legal representative that will handle this matter to discuss the University’s plans as they progress.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Janelle Eurick
Staff Attorney
ACLU of Utah