WAC 132H-120-050   Student rights and freedoms.  The following enumerated rights and freedoms are guaranteed to each student within the limitations of statutory law and college policies that are deemed necessary to achieve the educational goals of the college:

     (1) Academic freedom.

     (a) Students are guaranteed rights of free inquiry, expression and peaceful assembly upon and within college facilities that are generally open and available to the public. Students and other members of the college community shall always be free to express their views or support causes by orderly means which do not disrupt the regular and essential operation of the college.

     (b) Students shall have the right of assembly as defined in WAC 132H-120-030 upon college facilities that are generally available to the public: Provided, That such assembly shall:

     (i) Be conducted in an orderly manner; and

     (ii) Not unreasonably interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic; or

     (iii) Not unreasonably interfere with classes, schedules, meetings, or ceremonies, or with the educational functions of the college;

     (iv) Not unreasonably interfere with college functions; and

     (v) Not cause damage or destruction to college property or private property on the college campus.

     (vi) The president reserves the right to direct students assembling under this subsection to relocate to the free speech area designated in WAC 132H-120-030(14), to prevent interference will college classes or other college activities.

     (c) Students are free to pursue appropriate educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs and services, subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.50.090 (3)(b).

     (d) Students shall be protected from academic evaluation which is arbitrary, prejudiced or capricious, but are responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established by each of their instructors.

     (e) Students have the right to a learning environment which is free from unlawful discrimination, inappropriate and disrespectful conduct, and sexual harassment.

     (2) Due process.

     (a) The right of students to be secure in their persons, quarters, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures is guaranteed.

     (b) No disciplinary sanction may be imposed on any student without notice to the accused of the nature of the charges.

     (c) A student accused of violating this student code is entitled, upon request, to procedural due process as set forth in this chapter.

     (3) Distribution and posting. Students may distribute or post printed or published material subject to official procedures printed and available in the office of student programs. All free publications not in violation of state and/or federal laws such as books, magazines, newspapers, handbills, leaflets, or similar materials may be distributed on campus. The college may restrict the distribution of any publications where such distribution unreasonably interferes with college operations. Such materials may be distributed from authorized public areas in the student center and at any outdoor area on campus consistent with the maintenance of college property, with the free flow of traffic and persons, and not in a manner which in itself limits the orderly operation of college affairs. Any person desiring to distribute such publications shall first register with the office of student programs so that reasonable areas and times can be assured and the activities of the institution will not be unduly interfered with. All handbills, leaflets, newspapers, and similarly related matter must bear identification as to the publishing agency and distributing organization or individual.

     (4) Off campus speakers. Recognized student organizations shall have the right to invite outside speakers to speak on campus subject to the availability of campus facilities, funding, and compliance with the college procedures available in the campus operations office.

     (5) Incidental sales. Students have the right to engage in incidental sales of personal property in a private transaction provided college facilities are not explicitly used for this purpose.

     (6) Commercial activities. The use of college grounds or facilities for commercial or private gain purposes is prohibited except where commercial activity such as sale of books, instructional supplies, or food contribute to the operation of the instructional program or where limited sale is specifically authorized by the dean of student services for the benefit of the approved activity.

     (7) Fund raising. Students have the right to engage in fund raising activities for nonprofit organizations as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. All fund raising activities must be approved by the dean of student services.

     (8) Sale of merchandise. All merchandise offered for commercial sale may be sold only through the college bookstore or college food services except when approved by the dean of student services.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140. 03-14-015, § 132H-120-050, filed 6/19/03, effective 7/20/03; 02-10-069, § 132H-120-050, filed 4/26/02, effective 5/27/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW and RCW 28B.50.140. 93-12-008, § 132H-120-050, filed 5/19/93, effective 6/19/93; 92-19-047, § 132H-120-050, filed 9/10/92, effective 10/11/92; Order 16, § 132H-120-050, filed 3/15/73.]