Campaign Visibility Area Guidelines

Introduction
The intent of the Campaign Visibility Area (CVA) is to provide campaigns and other groups with an area to express their free speech rights. It is important to remember, however, that while we want to allow this opportunity, safety is our number one concern. Many, if not all, of the rules outlined below are designed to ensure safety of all CVA participants.

Location
The Campaign Visibility Area (CVA) will be located on the south side of Chestnut Street at 31st Street along the sidewalk in a special roped off area.  Supporters will have a clear view of the entrance to the debate and the media.

Both campaign supporters and general protesters will be in the same area. Specific rules for the CVA are attached to this memo.


The CVA Vicinity – No signs outside the CVA on Drexel property
The CVA is the only area on the campus and in the vicinity of the debate where campaign visibility and signs will be permitted. Groups forming on other areas of campus will be escorted off the property. Groups forming on city streets or other public areas may be asked to leave by the Philadelphia Police Department and Drexel Public Safety. This will also include any signs placed outside the CVA. There is a strict NO SIGNS ON DREXEL PROPERTY policy on campus. This includes signs and banners on buildings.

Hours
The CVA will open at 4 PM. It will be open to foot traffic ONLY (this means no vehicles will be permitted on Chestnut Street at any time). Drexel Public Safety staff will be on hand to enforce this rule.  

Security/Enforcement
Drexel Public Safety staff and local law enforcement worked with Debate organizers on selecting this site and will be present in the area and primarily responsible for enforcing the rules for everyone. However, Drexel is expecting each campaign to assist with the enforcement of these rules within their own campaign.  

Parking
People wishing to take part in campaign visibility will not have designated parking on campus and should plan to park on the street if they find it or consider shuttling supporters to the site.  There is NO BUS PARKING anywhere near the Green – strictly drop off only.

General Rules
The only signs allowed in the CVA are lawn signs/placards
NO 4'x 8' signs are allowed
Signs on sticks will be permitted, BUT sticks should no longer than three feet.
No motorized vehicles
No scissor lifts
No bands (marching or otherwise)
No megaphones
No noisemakers
No amplified noise of any kind
Balloons are permitted
Homemade signs are permitted
T-shirts and stickers are permitted
Sandwich boards are permitted
No umbrellas
No weapons
No fireworks
No animals
No grills for tailgating  
No alcohol
No lights – no electricity
No glass containers
Bottled water – no large containers

Other Notes
Anyone violating any of the above rules, or engaging in any disruptive behavior, can and will be asked to leave the CVA.   Any of the above rules can be altered at any point before or during the debate due to safety or other concerns. Any changes made to these rules will be communicated to the management of each campaign with as much notice as possible. Drexel Public Safety and Philadelphia Police Department has the ultimate authority on what is permitted.

Please note that October evenings in Pennsylvania can be very cold. Please tell your staff and volunteers to plan accordingly. Campaigns should bring water for their own staff.

For any questions or concerns, please contact Drexel University Office of Government and Community Relations, 215-895-2109.