COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – The University of Missouri’s Columbia campus has announced revised policies related to protests, with the changes coming nearly two years after the campus was besieged by demonstrations over racial concerns.

The new policies announced by university leaders include a commitment to “protecting the rights of expression, assembly, protest, and dissent.” Outdoor areas will be made available whenever possible, even for unscheduled gatherings.
The new policy limits camping that became common during the fall 2015 protests, but also allows for chalking as a way to express thoughts and ideas.

The protests two years ago were sparked by the way university leadership handled race and discrimination issues. The protests led to the resignations of the University of Missouri System president and the Columbia campus’ chancellor.
The policy changes were developed by a special committee.