The University of Missouri has updated its guidelines for the 2025 Homecoming Parade, tightening restrictions on participation and banning political expression. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m. in downtown Columbia.

In November 2024, after last year’s Homecoming Parade, the MU Faculty Council approved a resolution endorsing the development of a publicly transparent parade participation policy for Homecoming 2025. The resolution calls for a diverse and inclusive student committee, a clear approval rubric, equal inclusion for all registered student organizations, appeal procedures for denied groups, written notifications and firm criteria for rescinding prior acceptances. 

This year’s official parade theme is “Celebrating Black and Gold.” The new policy states that the parade is not intended to be an open forum for expression on participant-selected topics. 

Instead, entries must connect to university-defined themes such as campus traditions, student accomplishments, alumni connections and football game spirit.

“The purpose of the Homecoming Parade is to celebrate Mizzou and its supporters. It is not a venue for protests,” the updated policy says.

Last year’s parade, held during an election year, included significant political messaging from both student and community groups. The new policy aims to avoid a repeat.

According to the university, the parade’s purpose is limited to four areas:

• Celebrating Mizzou’s traditions and accomplishments.
• Cultivating alumni connections.
• Honoring university-selected achievements of students, personnel or alumni.
• Rallying enthusiasm for the Homecoming football game.

2025 Homecoming Parade Rules and Timeline: 

For those planning to march in this year’s Homecoming Parade, here’s how it works, according to the 2025 Homecoming Traditions and Truman Rulebooks.

The application window ran from April 27 to Aug. 27, so groups had all summer to decide if they wanted to participate. Float sketches and scripts were due by Aug. 1. The Parade Committee scheduled two walk-throughs on Sept. 14 and 21 before the final run-through on Sept. 27, the morning of the parade.

Any recognized student organization or residence hall can enter. Options include a decorated car, a float, a walking banner or another type of approved entry. There is no fee to participate.

Decorations come with their own rules. Floats have to show Truman the Tiger somewhere, include the group’s sub-theme and display the organization’s name on both sides. 

Each required element must be visible from all angles. Costumes are allowed, but they need prior approval by Sept. 23.

In the sensory-friendly section of the parade, participants must tone things down. This means no honking, no flashing lights and lower noise levels. Participants face a five-point deduction from the float’s overall score if they don’t follow those expectations.

Safety is another big focus. Floats can’t be taller than 13 feet, longer than 30 feet or wider than 13 feet. 

Flames aren’t allowed, and only one generator can be used for moving decorations, with approval due by Sept. 13. Once the parade starts, entries have to keep moving forward, and anything handed out must be passed out by walkers. 

Throwing items isn’t allowed. People can’t ride on floats, and structures must be built sturdy enough to keep everyone safe.

These updated parade guidelines come after last year’s controversy regarding the exclusion of a student organization.

In October 2024, Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine (MSJP) was barred from participating in the Homecoming Parade by MU President Mun Choi, who cited “significant disturbances” by other Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) groups across the country and safety concerns. MSJP has stated that they are not affiliated with the national SJP organization.

Last month, the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a federal lawsuit, Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine v. Choi, alleging the removal violated the group’s free-speech rights under the First Amendment. The case remains ongoing.

Edited by Erin Hynes | [email protected]

Copy edited by Anna Catlett and Ava Mohror | [email protected] 

Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]