Review of Disruption and Protest Policies in Student Codes of Conduct

Colleges and universities are navigating a complex landscape when it comes to student expression—balancing free speech, campus safety, and operational continuity. As protest activity evolves, many leaders are reevaluating whether their conduct policies provide enough clarity and flexibility to respond effectively.

In this report, researchers review the student codes of conduct of twelve Canadian U15 and non-U15 institutions for references to protests, social media, and restorative practices (e.g., community service). The research primarily focuses on whether universities draw a clear line between protest and disruption, and also includes a policy compendium containing the relevant excerpts from each profiled institution. These resources can inform partners’ evolution of student codes of conduct as student and community expectations change.