WAC 132E-124-010   Everett -- State of educational freedom.  The board of trustees of Washington Community College District V, acting in accordance with the responsibilities imposed upon us by the law of the state, herein takes notice that the college has prudently and effectively maintained a policy guaranteeing educational freedom to the faculty and to those it serves. The board of trustees sets forth the following statement as policy:

     (1) We, the board of trustees of Washington Community College District No. 5, are responsible for general supervision of the affairs of Everett Community College. As such, we believe we have a special obligation to vigorously promote the freedoms provided by the democratic processes of our free society. We conceive that central to its very existence is full and free discussion of the controversial issues of our time conducted in a responsible manner.

     (2) We believe that freedom of speech and assembly requires a forum wherein students may develop their thoughts and their convictions.

     (3) We seek to enlist and maintain a competent faculty whose members subscribe to high standards of professional conduct. We encourage the faculty to assist students in their search for truth in any way consistent with those standards which include an obligation on the part of the instructor to place major emphasis on information and analysis in his field of competence.

     (4) We hold that an instructor's unique role in the community is to be specially involved in the objective search for truth. His chief contribution, however, is in the classroom where in order to foster the spirit of responsible, objective inquiry he has freedom to discuss his subject and to lead discussion in any controversial aspects of its content. We hold that an instructor's unique position imposes upon him special obligations.

     (a) In his writing and speaking he should seek accuracy.

     (b) He should exercise appropriate restraint.

     (c) He should show respect for the opinions of others and for freedom of expression among others.

     (d) While writing or speaking as a private citizen he should clearly indicate that he is not a college spokesman.

     We further believe that when any instructor speaks or writes as a private citizen he is entitled to all the rights of his citizenship and he must assume the responsibility for his own actions.

     (5) We encourage inviting to the college speakers who represent diverse points of view. Such speakers are expected to regard this privilege as entailing the same responsibilities and obligations as those faced by instructors. We, moreover, will always assure ourselves that the event is in no way an abuse of that privilege. In the discussion of sensitive issues the board of trustees reserves the right, either by its own act or by delegation, to impose conditions upon these speakers which will insure the opportunity to challenge these views. The trustees further insist that there shall be left no implication by the college of approval or disapproval of either the speakers of their views.

     (6) We encourage student organizations which are officially recognized by the college to invite speakers to the campus providing suitable space is available and there is no interference with the regularly scheduled program of the college.

     (7) In order to provide an atmosphere of open exchange and to insure that the educational objectives of the college are not obscured, the president may prescribe conditions for the conduct of the meeting in any case which may be attended by extreme emotional feeling. Such action may include designating a member of the faculty to be chairman, and/or requiring permission for comments and questions from the floor. Likewise the president may require the appearance of one or more additional speakers at the meeting in question, or at a subsequent meeting, so that other points of view may be expressed. He shall also prescribe the regulations for the advanced planning of all meetings to be addressed by outside speakers and may designate representatives to recommend conditions for the conduct of particular meetings.

     (8) The board of trustees will neither authorize nor tolerate actions by any speaker during a meeting which:

     (a) Incite the audience to riot or violate state or federal laws.

     (b) Advocate the overthrow, destruction, or alteration of the constitutional form of government of the United States, or of the state of Washington, or any political subdivision of either of them by revolution, force or violence.

     (9) The president or his duly delegated representative shall be charged with the responsibility of carrying out and implementing the policy enumerated herein.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140 and 34.05.356. 01-02-043, § 132E-124-010, filed 12/28/00, effective 1/28/01; Order 72-1, § 132E-124-010, filed 2/1/73, effective 3/9/73.]