WAC 132Z-112-020   Freedom of inquiry and expression.  As a public institution of higher education in the state of Washington, Cascadia Community College recognizes and supports the following principles regarding freedom of expression.

     Individual freedom of expression is a fundamental tenet of any free and democratic society.

     Freedom of expression shall be interpreted to include all forms of written and oral expression, and all forms of dramatic and artistic expression.

     The college is dedicated to upholding the individual freedom of expression as it is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and that no act shall be undertaken by the college to abridge that freedom.

     As an institution dedicated to freedom of thought and expression, the college shall support expression of divergent viewpoints in order to foster broad-mindedness and a willingness to learn from others.

     In keeping with these principles and the college's right to place reasonable restraints on the time, place and manner of expression, the college shall observe the following general guidelines and appropriate general procedures to ensure the responsible exercise of freedom of expression.

     (1) Freedom of expression. It is the right of any member of the college community to express any point of view and to be free from harassment in such expression. It is the responsibility of those expressing opinions to respect the rights and property of others, to refrain from disrupting the normal operations of the college and to maintain lawful conduct.

     The right of free speech and expression does not include activity that may endanger the safety of any member of this college community or visitors, or damage any of the facilities. Moreover, modes of expression (including electronic transmissions) that are unlawful or indecent or that are grossly offensive on matters such as race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, or veteran status are inconsistent with accepted norms of conduct of the college and are subject to the sanctions described in the Code of student conduct and disciplinary procedures (chapter 132Z-115 WAC).

     (2) Sponsoring organizations. It is the right of all recognized college organizations and units to sponsor lecturers, entertainers, or exhibitions of their choice as approved by the college. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization or unit to make adequate preparation as deemed necessary by the college for the orderly conduct of such events.

     (3) Campus speakers. Student organizations officially recognized by the college may invite speakers to the campus to address their own membership and other interested students and employees if suitable space is available and there is no interference with the regularly scheduled program of the college. Although properly allowed by the college, the appearance of such speakers on the campus implies neither approval nor disapproval of them or their viewpoints. In the case of speakers who are candidates for political office, equal opportunities shall be available to opposing candidates if desired by them. Political candidates seeking to use facilities to discuss campaign issues with nonstudents shall pay normal facility rental fees. Speakers are subject to the normal considerations for law and order and to the specific limitations imposed by the state constitution, which prohibits state support for religious worship, exercise or instruction.

     In order to ensure an atmosphere of open exchange and to ensure that the educational objectives of the college are not obscured, the president, in a case attended by strong emotional feeling, may prescribe conditions for the conduct of the meeting, such as requiring that a designated member of the faculty serve as chair, or requiring permission for comments and questions from the floor. Likewise, the president may encourage the appearance of one or more additional speakers at any meeting or at a subsequent meeting so that other points of view may be expressed. The president may designate representatives to recommend conditions such as time, manner, and place for the conduct of particular meetings.

     (4) Audiences. It is the right of all members of the college community to attend any public event sponsored by any recognized campus organization or unit, once applicable admission fees have been paid. It is the responsibility of all who attend such events to respect the rights and property of others.

     (5) Facilities. It is the right of any recognized campus organization or unit to schedule the use of appropriate college facilities free from discrimination on the basis of viewpoints to be expressed at the event; it is the responsibility of such an organization or unit to provide sufficient evidence to the college administration that adequate provision has been made for the health, safety and welfare of the general public.

     (6) Distribution of information. Handbills, leaflets, newspapers and similar materials may be sold or distributed free of charge by any student or students, or by members of recognized student organizations, or by college employees during their off-work hours on or in college facilities at locations specifically designated by the director of communications and marketing provided such distribution or sale does not interfere with the ingress or egress of persons or interfere with the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

     Such handbills, leaflets, newspapers and related matter must bear identification as to the publishing agency and distributing organization or individual.

     All nonstudents shall register with the director of communications and marketing prior to the distribution of any handbill, leaflet, newspaper or related matter. Such distribution or sale must not interfere with the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

     Any person or persons who violates these provisions will be subject to disciplinary action.



[Statutory Authority: Executive Order 97-02, RCW 28B.10.902 and 28B.20.903. 05-06-003, § 132Z-112-020, filed 2/17/05, effective 3/20/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140. 00-20-037, § 132Z-112-020, filed 9/28/00, effective 10/29/00.]