ACLU of Hawaiʻi Raises First Amendment Concerns at the University of Hawaiʻi Ahead of Fall 2026 Semester 

Civil liberties organization raises concerns over restrictions on chalking, sit-ins, encampments, literature distribution, and demonstrations

August 24, 2026 3:27 pm

Press Release UH TPM Policy Cover

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT
Nanea Lo, Communications Manager
Phone: (808) 766-5425 Email: [email protected]

ACLU of Hawaiʻi Raises First Amendment Concerns at the University of Hawaiʻi Ahead of Fall 2026 Semester

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi — With the University of Hawaii’s Fall (“UH”) 2026 semester beginning today, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU of Hawaiʻi”) is raising concerns about the University’s time, place, and manner policy and its potential impact on students’ First Amendment rights.

On August 21, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi sent a letter to UH President Wendy Hensel urging the University to protect students’ rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and protest. The letter highlights concerns about a 25-foot buffer zone around buildings and restrictions on chalking, sit-ins, encampments, distributing printed materials, and noise levels.

UH has a long history as a site of public debate and protest, from Vietnam War demonstrations to movements to protect Maunakea. As a public university, UH should preserve space for students and community members to engage in robust debate, dissent, and protest on matters of public concern. Any restrictions on protected expression should be narrowly tailored, viewpoint-neutral, and consistent with constitutional protections.

The ACLU of Hawaiʻi is particularly concerned about how the University’s time, place, and manner policy may chill students and community members from engaging in demonstrations, distributing literature, organizing events, or otherwise participating in constitutionally protected expressive activity.

“Students shouldn’t need a tape measure to know whether they’re allowed to speak on their own campus,” said Wookie Kim, Legal Director of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi. “Each piece of this policy might sound reasonable on its own. But together, they leave students guessing about where they can speak, and many of them just won’t. As students return to campus, they should know they have the right to speak out, organize, and protest.”

“The University of Hawaiʻi should be a place where students can challenge ideas, question those in power, and organize for change without fear that overly restrictive policies will silence them,” said Salmah Rizvi, Executive Director of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi. “Free expression and peaceful protest are essential to both a healthy democracy and a thriving academy. UH students have a long history of using their voices to shape the future of our communities. UH The University should protect that tradition—not create unnecessary barriers to it.”

The ACLU of Hawaiʻi is calling on the University to delay implementation and not adopt the policy permanently. The letter urges the University to revise the policy so students can more freely exchange ideas and participate in civic life on campus in a manner that is healthy and that is not overly restrictive.

The letter to President Hensel provides further detail regarding the ACLU of Hawaii’s concerns under the law and recommendations on next steps.

Read full letter here: ACLU-HI Letter re: UH TPM Policy [08.21.2026]

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i strives to build an equitable society. Our mission is to protect and promote the civil liberties and fundamental rights enshrined in the United States and Hawai‘i constitutions through litigation, legislation, and public education. We serve – and center the voices of – our impacted and vulnerable communities, regardless of background, status, or circumstance. As a non-partisan non-profit organization, we provide our services at no cost to the public, and we never accept government funds.