Public Viewing Area & Speaker Permit Applications

Please note: The Public Viewing Area is not a remote broadcast location for the debate. Click here for remote broadcast locations on campus.

The speaker schedule for the public viewing area is now available here.

Public Viewing Area Information

On October 8, 2004, Washington University in St. Louis will host a presidential debate, conducted under the auspices of the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD).

As an educational institution committed to freedom of expression, the University encourages discussion on issues raised by and concerning the Debate. While the University is providing opportunities for such discussion through DebateWatch and other campus activities, it recognizes that members of the WU community, their guests, and others may wish to express their views on these issues in more open settings. At the same time, the University recognizes the importance of protecting the safety of the presidential candidates, guests, and the WU community. The security constraints placed upon the University by law enforcement and Debate logistics also limit the availability of areas where individuals may congregate.   

In the interest of meeting these needs and constraints, the University has designated a Public Viewing Area. Individuals and groups may gather for the peaceful expression of opinions at the Public Viewing Area located on the intramural field at the southeast corner of Big Bend and Forsyth. This area is within sight of the Athletic Complex where the Debate will take place. Entry to this area will be off of Big Bend, just south of Forsyth Blvd. The Public Viewing area will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For additional information, please view the Guidelines for Candidates and Other Political Speakers at Washington University.

Restrictions for the Public Viewing Area

1. No coolers, glass containers, animals, alcoholic beverages, or any kind of amplification equipment.

2. No balloons filled with substances other than air or projectile launchers.

3. No weapons, including but not limited to: paintball guns, slingshots, air pistols, explosives, blasting caps, knives, mace or any other instrumentalities used or intended for use as a dangerous weapon.

4. No climbing of fences, poles, trees, or any other structure.

5. Signs and banners are permissible, but may not be posted or attached to pickets or on fences. Signs must be constructed solely of cloth, paper or flexible cardboard no greater than one-quarter inch thick.

City of Clayton Ordinance #5819

Because the Public Viewing Area is located in the City of Clayton all participants must also comply with the City of Clayton Ordinance #5819 addressing parades and assemblies. If you plan to visit the Public Viewing Area, you should review this ordinance before your arrival (click the above link to download a pdf of the ordinance).

The University reserves the right to deny access to the Public Viewing Area to groups or individuals who do not comply with the Restrictions of the Public Viewing Area, local ordinances, or the safety and security requests of law enforcement officials located on the site.

Additional information regarding Access and Activities on the University Hilltop Campus on October 7 and 8, 2004, can be found here.

Speaker Permit Application Information

The University will make a sound system and stage available to those who wish to make statements during the Public Viewing Area open hours of 4:00 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.

Speaker Permit Applications: To ensure that as many as possible of those who wish to make statements have the opportunity to do so, a completed Speaker Permit Application must be submitted to the Office of Event Services (OES) no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2004. The application can be downloaded here or obtained by visiting OES at Room 304, Mallinckrodt Center. Groups that are not registered with the Washington University Student Union must attach a signed statement from the organization's chief officer authorizing the individual submitting the application to do so on his/her behalf. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Speaking Times: OES will determine the length of time available to each speaker based on the number of total requests received. Speaking times will be determined by lottery. Such determinations shall be made on a content neutral basis and attempts will be made to accommodate all applicants.  

Speaking times will be posted here on or before October 7. Speaking times will also be posted next to the stage in the Public Viewing Area on the day of Debate.

In the interest of the safety and security for all participants, speaking times and other provisions may be altered by the University, law enforcement, or security personnel.