E-275 Free Speech
| Authority | President/District Director |
| Effective Date | July 13, 2020 |
| Revision Date | May 19, 2021 |
| Reviewed Date | July 26, 2023 |
| Related Policies | |
| Related Forms, Policies, Procedures, Statute |
E-270 – Code of Conduct for Visitors and Guests E-275.1 – Free Speech: Time, Place, and Manner E-275.2 – Distribution, Posting, and Display Tables H-275 – Public Assembly |
The College acknowledges the constitutional right to engage in free speech and assemble peacefully in groups. These freedoms foster a robust exchange of ideas and facilitate academic and social growth. The primary use of College Premises owned or leased by the College is to provide educational services and programs for Students and the College Community. The College may, consistent with applicable state and federal law, establish reasonable restrictions regarding the time, place, and way persons may exercise their free speech and assembly rights on College Premises.
UNPROTECTED SPEECH AND ACTIVITIES
Some forms of speech—including but not limited to threats of violence, incitement to imminent lawless action, obscenity, defamation, and certain severe or pervasive harassment, threats, or intimidation—are not constitutionally protected and may result in disciplinary action.
Further, the College Community and those visiting College Premises are prohibited from engaging in conduct leading to or resulting in any of the following:
Endangerment to the health or safety of others.
Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the College.
Damage to College Premises or that of a Student, Employee, or Guest.
Denial of, or unreasonable interference with, the rights of others on College Premises.
Unauthorized access to or occupation of nonpublic areas on College Premises, including but not limited to classrooms, laboratories, libraries, Employee offices, and special-use facilities.
Unauthorized access to or use personal property, including files and records.
Individuals who engage in the above activities may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from the College and removal from College Premises. In addition, such actions may result in criminal charges by law enforcement authorities.
The President/District Director shall enact college procedures further establishing reasonable restrictions regarding the time, place, and manner in which persons and groups may exercise their free speech and assembly rights on College Premises.