Policies & Procedures Manual

26

Policy No: 111

Policy Contact: Vice President for Student Services

Policy Title: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION East Central Community College (ECCC) recognizes and upholds the rights protected by the First Amendment, including the rights of free speech and free expression, and the right to assemble peaceably. Demonstrations, assemblies, and dissemination of information can be valid expressions for dissenting opinions provided they do not disrupt the academic and administrative functions of the institution. The opinions expressed by organizations, groups or individuals using ECCC facilities do not necessarily reflect the position of ECCC. The College affirms its commitment to freedom of speech, assembly and expression even though the language or ideas of those seeking a venue for free expression may contradict the College’s ideals and/or the personal views of ECCC employees and students. This policy will be carried out through Freedom of Expression Guidelines issued by the President. By placing reasonable limitations on time, place, and manner of speech, ECCC does not take a position on the content or viewpoint of the expression, but rather provides a forum for a diversity of viewpoints to be expressed in an academic setting. These guidelines in no way prohibit individuals enrolled at or employed by ECCC from engaging in conversations on campus, but rather establishes Designated Public Forum Areas on ECCC’s campus and sets forth requirements for reservation and use of the Designated Public Forum Areas. These guidelines shall also apply to individuals or groups who are not members of the College community who wish to speak on ECCC’s campus and all non-commercial speech on the ECCC campus and any other ECCC facilities. In addition to the guidelines, all permitted activities will be subject to Policy No. 614, USE OF COLLEGE PHYSICAL PLANT FACILITIES FOR NON-COLLEGE ACTIVITIES. The President shall have authority to depart from the strict terms of the guidelines as circumstances require.

(Added 11/12/19)