23.055: Chalking

1. Overview

   This policy balances individuals' and groups' free speech rights with the university's property rights.

   Chalking, as a form of promotion and expression, is allowed on the Ohio university campus, subject to the restrictions specified in paragraph (B) of this policy.

2. Guidelines and consequences

   Chalking is limited to student organizations that are registered with the center for student engagement and leadership, Ohio university departments, faculty and staff members, and individual registered students.

   Those wishing to chalk must comply with the following guidelines:

   1. Only water-soluble, stick type chalk (sidewalk chalk) is allowed. Absolutely no spray chalk, markers, paints (latex or oil-based), or similar products may be used.
   2. Chalking is allowed only on horizontal surfaces (e.g., sidewalks, streets) that:
      1. Are in open areas;
      2. Are not covered by an overhang; and
      3. Can reasonably be expected to be reached by rain.
      4. No chalking is allowed on vertical surfaces. This includes buildings, walls, benches, picnic tables, signs, poles, the monument on college green, newspaper boxes, columns, mailboxes, light poles, trees, etc. The one exception is the ‘graffiti wall’ located on W. Mulberry Street. 
      5. This policy provides permission for chalking on university property only.

   Individuals or organizations that violate this policy will be held financially responsible for the cost of clean-up; may be referred to the office of community standards and student responsibility or the Ohio university police department, and may be subject to civil or criminal charges (e.g., vandalism), in addition to discipline under the student or employee disciplinary process appropriate to their relationship to the university.

Forms, References, and History

1. Forms

   There are no forms that are specific to this policy.

2. References

   There are no external items that are particularly relevant to this policy.

3. History

   Draft versions of this policy that were circulated for review, their cover memos, their forms, and Reviewers' comments on them are available on the password-protected Review site.

   1. February 14, 2025 (ESPC approved non-substantive updates)
   2. February 8, 2012