Student protesting at the TPUSA’s “Culture Wars”. Photo taken by JJ Mazzucotelli.

Students’ fight against white supremacy at the University of Nevada, Reno are hindered by upper administration due to the University Administrative Manual 5,305.

The Young Feminist, an organized club on campus wanted to put on an anti-racist campaign from Oct. 7 to Nov. 7 as a part of the Resist the Hate Series. Their request, however, was denied by Jill Heaton, the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.

“White supremacy persists even two years after Charlottesville,” said Patricia De La Hoya, the President of the Young Feminists in the SEAB (student events advisory board for planning events) form. “We are starting an anti-racist campaign. We would use sandwich boards to paint and put words of positive messages for those who have been affected by racism. We would leave them up for a month. We would like to be able to place them where boards are allowed to be for elections.”

Vice Provost Jill Heaton cited UAM 5,305 even though the club had a similar event before in the past. UAM 5, 305 states sandwich boards are temporary signage that may be used on a limited basis to announce campus facilities or special events. Boards may be used for a maximum of two weeks to announce facilities and a maximum of three days to announce events. No more than two boards may be used for the same facility or event. Sandwich boards must be weighted and may only be placed in locations approved by Facilities Services.

“I also understand that you and your organization had a campaign last spring on sexual assault awareness in which you used sandwich boards,” said Vice Provost Heaton in an email to Patricia De La Hoya. “This campaign was not in compliance with the policy, and the fact that it occurred and was not identified as being out of compliance is not sufficient reason to allow for an exception here. Your awareness campaign does not fall under the category of “special event.”

After some email exchanges, the Young Feminist along with other students decided to protest against the university as individuals. The individuals organized early in the morning with large sandwich boards that read, “Fuck White Supremacy,” “UNR Protects Racists,” “RENO: Run Every Nazi Out,” and “Make Racists Afraid again.” They began protesting in front of the Knowledge Center but later moved to the front of the Joe Crowley Student Union. They were told to keep their distance from Turning Point USA by the Joe’s staff, and the Joe’s supervisors remained outside to make sure no fights broke out.

“Spaces for opinions were created, so that our campus community could come together to consider ideas and make individual choices,” said President Marc Johnson in a student announcement email. “Colleges and universities encourage civil discourse to develop and exchange ideas and to affirm equal access to the opportunity to participate in this exchange for every student, every employee and every faculty member. It should also be noted that the University Administrative Manual, 5,303: Public Forum, does address these types of events and informs how they should operate.”

In regards to UAM 5,305, the university’s legal counsel told administration to have the individuals remove the latches off the sandwich board and separate them, or they would otherwise be thrown away. The individuals quickly unscrewed the latches and separated the boards but still remained in their positions.

While policies played a big role in hindering the individuals’ protest, the individuals involved felt frustrated. They felt like the university continues to tell them to use their voice yet, does everything possible to hinder them from freely protesting.

The Young Feminist sent a letter to Marc Johnson demanding action against white nationalism on campus and demanded a meeting with him along with members of the anti-racist coalition to discuss policies and to advocate protection for students of color.

This meeting led to a request of a policy change to the UAM 5,305 which is expected to be done by Jan. 2020. However, on Nov. 20, a draft of the policy change was discussed at ASUN’s senate meeting.

The draft states: Sandwich boards are temporary signage that may be used on a limited basis to announce campus facilities or the time, date, location and sponsor of a University Event as that term is defined in UAM 5, 302. Sandwich boards are not allowed to be used for general messages or programming. Sandwich boards may be used for a maximum of two weeks to announce facilities and a maximum of three days to announce University Events. Sandwich boards cannot be larger than 2 x 4 feet. Sandwich boards shall be weighted and may only be placed in locations approved by the Associate Vice President of Planning, Budget & Analysis or his or her designee, in consultation with Facilities Services. For assistance with identifying the correct sandwich board types for purchase and approved location please contact Scheduling Services Office. No other lawn, yard or other temporary signage, sign boards, banners or free-standing flagpoles are allowed to be used on University property.

This draft also addresses chalking; it states that chalking is not allowed for general messages or programming.

“Certain policies are being used to uplift certain groups and oppress others is really emotionally draining process to go through,” Said De La Hoya. “Knowing that your own University doesn’t even see the flaws in what they’re doing and doesn’t recognize that they’re really letting people down.”

Other students have also expressed their concerns in regards to this policy change, if it actually goes through and feels like it restricts them from doing something about white supremacy on this campus.

This is a developing story. Check back with The University of Nevada, Reno Politics for more updates.