Public Area

The United States Secret Service ("USSS"), in conjunction with local law enforcement officials, is responsible for all security arrangements in connection with the Presidential Debate to be held on our campus on October 16, 2012. After taking into account all security considerations, the USSS will determine access to all campus areas, and perimeter fencing will be installed in some areas to secure restricted areas.

Hofstra University has designated the Hagedorn Hall outside area and parking lot, at the corner of Uniondale Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike as a Public Area. This area is outside the restricted areas and will be open to pedestrians only. The Public Area is accessible to and visible from Hempstead Turnpike and is large enough to accommodate members of the Hofstra community as well as visitors to our campus.  If need should arise, the Public Area may be further extended to the south. 

The Public Area will be equipped with a podium and a sound system so that speakers may register in advance to have the opportunity to present their views. Registration is not required to enter the Public Area, but was required to reserve a speaking time for microphone/podium.

The Public Area will be open on October 16 from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The University will not regulate the content of any speech and the general University rules governing demonstrations and public assembly will apply. Please note that no wooden or metal signs will be permitted, nor may any signs be affixed to wooden, metal or similarly rigid fixtures. The Nassau County Police Department will also be present to ensure compliance with New York State, County and local laws.

Registration Information: To ensure that as many people as possible have an opportunity to speak, a completed Public Area Speaker Permit Application had to be submitted to the Speaker Registration Manager no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 12, 2012. Registration is now closed.

Speaking Times: The Speaker Registration Manager allocated speaking times based upon the requests received. When necessary, speaking times were determined by lottery. Speaking times are posted below and will be posted at the Public Area on the day of the Debate.