E-275.1 Free Speech: Time, Place, and Manner

Students and Employees shall be permitted to exercise their rights of free expression, speech, and assembly on campus and at College Sanctioned Events subject to the provisions of Policy E-275 – Free Speech, Policy H-275 – Public Assembly, and these reasonable college procedures.

REASONABLE TIME, PLACE, AND MANNER RESTRICTIONS

The College generally permits free expression, speech, and assembly when its College Premises are open during its regular hours of operation, which are posted on the website. While engaged in free expression, speech, and assembly activities on College Premises or at College Sanctioned Events, no person may:

• Block entrances to or otherwise interfere with the free flow of traffic into and out of College Premises.

• Have unauthorized entry to, possession of, receipt of, or use of any college services, equipment, resources, or properties.

• Engage in physical abuse including, but not limited to, physical or sexual assault, threats of violence, harassment or intimidation, or other conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person.

• Obstruct or disrupt the College's teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other orderly operations.

• Exhibit disorderly or lewd conduct.

• Participate in a disturbance of the peace or unlawful assembly.

• Possess, use, store, or manufacture a firearm, explosive, or other weapon or destructive device.

• Engage in theft, destruction of, or damage to any college property or any property of others while at College Premises. Persons causing any such damage may be held financially responsible and may face criminal charges by law enforcement authorities. Fail to comply with the directions of a college official or other public official acting in performing their duties while on College Premises or College Sanctioned Events or resist or obstruct such college officials or other public officials in performing their duties.

• Camping or lodging on College Premises (this restriction includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized overnight use of College Premises or equipment or sleeping at College Premises).

• Climbing or repelling down any building, facility, structure, or natural feature on College Premises.

• Participate in indecent exposure or public nudity on College Premises. This prohibition does not apply to appropriate visual or performing arts productions, academic programs, or classes scheduled or sponsored by campus academic groups or departments as determined by the department chair or group director.

In addition to these reasonable restrictions, Students and Employees are responsible for complying with all applicable college policies and procedures, state and federal laws, and municipal ordinances. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal from College Premises and any other appropriate action by college officials or the Office of Safety and Security.

PEACEFUL ASSEMBLIES AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Peaceful assemblies and demonstrations are defined as gatherings of persons to express, promote, pursue, or defend ideas. Assemblies and demonstrations are not permitted inside any campus classroom, library, storage or maintenance area, locker room, or special use area noted below except for common areas or atriums and in any place or manner that interferes with educational or other normal functions and operations of the College.

• Fitness Center.

• Science and computer laboratories.

• Training facilities.

• Food preparation areas.

• Office areas.

• And other specialized classrooms, laboratories, and training or testing facilities.

Students or Employees who wish to engage in peaceful assemblies and demonstrations in outdoor areas and other permissible areas of campus may do so if the person’s conduct is lawful, does not constitute unprotected speech and activities, and comports with Policy E-275 – Free Speech, Policy H-275 – Public Assembly, and the above reasonable regulations.

All College Premises must be left clean and in good repair after use. Persons or organizations failing to comply may be held financially responsible for any resultant cleanup costs.

Assemblers or demonstrators refusing to vacate College Premises upon request may be subject to immediate temporary suspension or arrest under applicable state and federal laws.

EXPRESSION, SPEECH, AND ASSEMBLY BY EXTERNAL PERSONS

Guests and Visitors wishing to engage in free expression, assembly, speech, or expressive activities on campus must contact the College’s Office of Safety and Security before engaging in the activities according to Policy H-275 – Public Assembly and submit a formal request, subject to approval, a minimum of three (3) days in advance of the activity.

Public individuals or groups that receive approval to engage in such activities must comply with Policy E-275 – Free Speech, E-270 – Code of Conduct for Visitors and Guests, and the above reasonable procedures.

PERSONAL POLITICAL ACTIVITY

The College acknowledges and respects the rights of Students and Employees to engage in personal political activity. When using College Premises, however, Employees must keep their political activity separate from their institutional role and College-Sponsored Events. Personal political activity should not be engaged in a manner that incorrectly represents college support or endorsement. Neither college funds, equipment, instructional programs, nor other resources may be used for such personal political activity.

SOUND AMPLIFICATION

The use of sound amplification equipment must be approved in advance. Applications for using sound amplification equipment or space shall be approved by the Office of Safety and Security (or its designee). The College may control the volume and direction of sound amplification so as not to disturb or disrupt college activities or operations.

Acoustic or ambient sound, such as that generated through musical instruments, may be limited when such use interferes with the orderly conducting of college activities or operations.

For additional details regarding using College Premises to engage in commercial activities or by individuals or groups not associated with the College Community, see Policy E-280 – Sale and Solicitation on College Property and Policy E-270 –Code of Conduct for Visitors and Guests.