Display Policy

Asmbly strives to be a welcoming, inclusive, and creatively inspiring space for everyone.

To uphold that, we avoid using our shared environment to promote partisan political campaigns or display symbols that could compromise members’ sense of safety and belonging.

This policy helps maintain that balance — supporting member creativity and celebrating diverse identities while ensuring organizational neutrality and community respect.

Note: This policy applies only to items displayed in shared spaces at Asmbly (e.g., walls, shop areas, hallways, and common areas). It does not restrict what members may create as personal projects. Members are free to use Asmbly’s tools and resources to make items of their choosing, provided those projects comply with general safety and conduct policies.

✅ What’s allowed

• Member-made items created at Asmbly or made using tools available at Asmbly.
• Projects that celebrate craft, identity, inclusion, or cultural heritage, when they were made at Asmbly.
• Work primarily intended to showcase craft, skill, or the tools available at Asmbly.

🚫 What’s not allowed

• Partisan political campaign symbols, slogans, or endorsements, regardless of party or candidate. As a 501c3 nonprofit, Asmbly is required to remain nonpartisan in campaigns.
• Items larger than approximately 2 feet by 3 feet, or any item visible from shared or public areas that could reasonably appear to represent Asmbly’s official stance, unless approved by the Executive Director and Board.
• Symbols historically associated with hate, discrimination, or systemic oppression, including but not limited to the Confederate flag, Nazi symbols, and other widely recognized hate-related imagery or language.
• Any items promoting violence, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or other forms of discrimination.

How decisions are made

• Shop area leads, with oversight from the Facilities Manager or Executive Director, may decide what to display in their areas as long as it follows these guidelines.
• Large, prominent, or common-area items (including those larger than approximately 2 feet by 3 feet) that could appear to represent Asmbly’s official stance require review by the Executive Director and may be referred to the Board for approval.
• Any items violating the prohibited symbols policy will be removed promptly.
• The Leadership Team (directors, managers, shop area leads, and the board) hold final authority over decisions about displays in shared spaces. Leadership decisions are made with the intent to maintain consistency, neutrality, and inclusion across the organization.

Appeals

• If a member disagrees with a display decision, they may submit a written request for review to the Executive Director within 14 days. The Executive Director will review the decision in consultation with the Facilities Manager and, if appropriate, the Board. All appeals will receive a written response.

Our guiding philosophy

Asmbly exists to support creative expression, skill-sharing, and community — not to endorse partisan politics or display hateful symbolism.

We welcome creative work and symbols that affirm inclusion and belonging, helping everyone feel safe and respected, while keeping our shared space neutral on political campaigns and free from symbols of hate or oppression.