Chalking Policy
Approved by: Office of Student Affairs
History: Amended: 2012 | Amended: 8/2017 | Amended: 8/2020 | Amended: 6/2026
Related Policies: Student Code of Conduct and Community Expectations
Related Forms, Procedures, and References: please contact the Office of Student Affairs for a Chalking Form
For Questions Contact: Office of Student Affairs | 651.690.6778 | studentaffairs@stkate.edu
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to provide members of the University community with a clear process for expressive chalking activities while maintaining campus safety, accessibility, and respect for University property.
The University supports the open and respectful exchange of ideas and recognizes the rights of students, faculty, and staff to express differing viewpoints in accordance with University policy. This policy is intended to preserve opportunities for free expression while establishing reasonable time, place, and manner guidelines for chalking activities.
The University views this policy as a living document and welcomes community feedback.
Definitions
Chalking
The temporary use of water-soluble chalk on approved outdoor sidewalk surfaces for expressive purposes.
Designated Chalking Area
The sidewalks immediately north of Coeur de Catherine, bordered:
- on the north by the Quad,
- on the west by Chapel House,
- on the east by Fontbonne Hall,
- and on the south by Coeur de Catherine.
Sponsoring Individual or Organization
A currently enrolled student, officially recognized student organization, faculty member, staff member, or University department that submits a Request to Chalk form.
Listening Table
An optional opportunity for community dialogue, education, or engagement related to chalking content.
Chalking is Allowed
Currently enrolled students, officially recognized student organizations, faculty, staff, and University departments may register to chalk within designated chalking areas.
Chalking is permitted only on approved sidewalk surfaces within designated chalking areas. Chalking is not permitted:
- on steps,
- walls,
- buildings,
- windows,
- covered walkways,
- vertical surfaces,
- or any non-sidewalk University property.
Only water-soluble sidewalk chalk may be used.
Chalking by individuals or groups external to the University is prohibited. University community members and organizations may not sponsor or reserve chalking space on behalf of external organizations.
The University reserves the right to remove chalking due to:
- weather conditions,
- maintenance needs,
- safety concerns,
- accessibility concerns,
- scheduled campus events,
- or violations of this policy.
Chalking does not represent endorsement by the University.
Content of Chalking
Approval of chalking requests pertains only to scheduling, location use, and compliance with this policy. Approval does not constitute University endorsement or prior review of content.
The University will administer this policy in a content-neutral manner.
Chalking content must comply with applicable University policies, including:
- the Student Code of Conduct and Community Expectations,
- the Non-Discrimination Policy,
- and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Content that constitutes:
- harassment,
- discriminatory conduct,
- true threats,
- targeted intimidation,
- defamation,
- or vandalism
may be removed by the University and may result in referral through appropriate University conduct processes.
Individuals and organizations are responsible for ensuring their chalking complies with this policy.
Counter-Chalking and Respect for Expressive Activity
Individuals and groups may not alter, deface, obscure, erase, or write directly over another individual’s or organization’s approved chalking during its approved display period.
Separate chalking expressing differing viewpoints is permitted within designated chalking areas provided it:
- complies with this policy,
- does not interfere with accessibility or safety,
- and does not obstruct previously approved chalking.
The University encourages respectful dialogue through:
- additional approved chalking,
- tabling,
- educational programming,
- community forums,
- and other appropriate forms of expression.
Register to Chalk
To reserve chalking space, sponsoring individuals or organizations must complete and submit a Request to Chalk form to the Office of Student Affairs.
Requests should be submitted at least:
- five business days prior to the requested chalking date whenever possible.
The Office of Student Affairs will respond within five business days of receiving a completed request.
Approval decisions will be based solely on:
- availability of designated space,
- completeness of the request,
- compliance with this policy,
- safety considerations,
- and operational needs of the University.
- Requests will not be denied based on viewpoint or perspective.
If multiple requests are received for the same space and timeframe, priority will generally be given in the order requests are received.
Duration and Removal
Chalking may remain visible for up to seven calendar days from the first day it appears unless removed earlier due to weather, maintenance, safety, accessibility, or policy violations.
Sponsoring individuals or organizations are responsible for removing chalking at the conclusion of the approved display period.
Environmental Services may remove chalking upon request for an assessed charge.
Unauthorized chalking or chalking that violates this policy may be removed at the expense of the responsible individual(s) or organization(s).
Optional Dialogue and Engagement Opportunities
The University encourages sponsoring individuals and organizations to engage in respectful community dialogue related to their chalking through opportunities such as:
- Listening Tables,
- educational conversations,
- resource sharing,
- or community engagement events.
Listening Tables are optional unless required for operational or event-management purposes applicable equally to all comparable activities.
Any optional engagement activity should support respectful discussion and the open exchange of ideas.
Appeals
Individuals or organizations may appeal:
- a denied chalking request,
- removal of chalking,
- or assessed policy violations
by submitting a written appeal to the Dean of Students within five business days of notification.
Appeals will be reviewed based on:
- consistency with this policy,
- procedural fairness,
- and applicable University policies.
A written response to the appeal will generally be provided within five business days.