A look into how Oregon universities secure public speaking events

In the wake of the shooting death of Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University, KATU News looked into how Oregon universities secure public speaker events.

READ ALSO | Charlie Kirk shooter believed to be ‘college age,’ blended in on Utah campus: officials

Wednesday’s shooting occurred as Kirk spoke to a large crowd during an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” debate on Utah Valley University’s campus in Orem, Utah.

KATU reached out to universities across Oregon to determine if they plan to make any changes to their security protocols for large events in the wake of the Kirk shooting.

Portland State University

A spokesperson for Portland State University stated that the university has no plans to modify its protocol in response to yesterday’s event.

“There are extensive plans for responding to a variety of potential issues that are utilized to address different scenarios, large-scale events included,” said the spokesperson.

PSU’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) lays out a detailed roadmap for how the university protects attendees, the guest speaker, and the surrounding community before, during and after a large event.

PSU communicates with the City of Portland and the Portland Police Bureau before certain events, when crowd size or risk necessitates more resources than those available on campus alone.

On the day of the event, PSU can activate an Incident Management Team in the event of a fatal incident or an active shooter-type event. The team’s incident commander sets objectives and directs the necessary response to an incident.

Priority one in the EOP is to protect the life and safety of students, staff, and visitors. Team members would assess damages and hazards once the scene is secured and would then try to restore normal campus operations.

In a shooting event, PPB would be the lead responders, while PSU’s Incident Management team would coordinate campus support.

For situations that require a specialized response, the university’s Protest and Expression Team (PEAT) works to protect freedom of speech and assembly while ensuring a safe environment for the campus community.

The team comprises university leaders, including the Director of Emergency Management and the Chief of Campus Public Safety, among others.

The PEAT team was part of the discussion when conservative activist Riley Gaines spoke at the University earlier this year, according to a University spokesperson.

University of Oregon

The University does not disclose specific strategies for securing events, but it states that “our approach involves close coordination with campus partners and, when appropriate, local and federal law enforcement.”

“Plans are scaled to the nature of the event and are designed to support both safety and the university’s commitment to free expression. This includes evaluating potential risks, assigning appropriate resources, and ensuring that emergency response protocols are in place,” said the University spokesperson.

When asked if the University is planning to change any protocols following the shooting at UVU, the university said it is not a yes or no question.

“We continuously monitor national events and adapt our safety and security practices to ensure a secure environment for open dialogue at the University of Oregon,” said the spokesperson.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University did not share specific strategies that it uses when securing public speaking events.

When asked, OSU directed KATU News to its policies surrounding free speech and free expression.

The university’s policies on freedom of speech and expression can be found here.

Southern Oregon University

A spokesperson for Southern Oregon University said that the university’s security protocol would not change based on the shooting at Utah Valley University.

“There has been no discussion of changes specifically due to this event, but the overall political climate warrants concern – and today’s campus message from our president urged both vigilance and tolerance for differing viewpoints,” said a spokesperson for the university.

SOU President Rick Bailey sent a letter to students, parents, and faculty condemning the violence in Utah. He emphasized the university’s duty to protect free speech and foster civil debate.

“I ask each of you to treat friends and colleagues today with genuine caring and understanding. Engage in thoughtful discussions, and be respectful of the emotions that some may have,” said Bailey.

KATU reached out to other universities in Oregon and has yet to hear back.