Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)


Civil Disturbance or Demonstrations


CIVIL DISTURBANCE OR DEMONSTRATIONS

Most campus demonstrations, such as marches, meetings, picketing and rallies will be peaceful and non-obstructive.  A student demonstration should not be disrupted unless one or more of the following conditions exist as a result of the demonstration:

  • INTERFERENCE with the normal operations of the college
  • PREVENTION OF ACCESS to offices, buildings or other campus facilities.
  • THREAT of physical harm to persons or damage to campus facilities

If any of these conditions exist, Campus Safety should be notifed and will take responsibility for contacting the Administration. Depending on the nature of the demonstration, the appropriate procedures listed below should be followed:

PEACEFUL NON-OBSTRUCTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

Generally, demonstrations of this type should not be interrupted, obstructed or provoked.  Efforts should be made to conduct business as normally as possible.

If demonstrators are asked to leave, but refuse to leave by normal facility closing time, arrangements will be made by Administration to monitor the situation after hours, or a determination will be made to treat a refusal to leave as a disruptive demonstration.

NON-VIOLENT, DISRUPTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

In the event that a demonstration blocks access to college facilities and/or interferes with the operation of the college:

Demonstrators will be asked to terminate the disruptive activity by Campus Safety or College administrative officials.

The Public Information Office may be asked by the Administration to have a photographer available.

Key personnel and student leaders may be asked by the Administration to go to the area in question and attempt to persuade the demonstrations to desist.

If the demonstrators persist in the disruptive activity, they will be apprised that failure to discontinue the specified action within a determined length of time may result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion or possible intervention by civil authorities (see Directive A below).  Except in extreme emergencies, the Superintendent-President or his/her designee will be consulted before such disciplinary actions are taken.

Efforts should be made to secure positive identification of demonstrators, including photography or videotape, to facilitate later testimony. 

After consultation with the Superintendent-President or his/her designee, campus authorities will determine the need for an injunction and/or intervention of civil authorities.

If the determination is made to seek intervention of civil authorities, the demonstrators should be so informed.  Upon arrival of the Sheriff’s deputies, read Directive B, below.

DIRECTIVE A:  TO IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE DEMONSTRATION

Identify yourself and read the following:  “This assembly and the conduct of each participant are seriously disrupting the operations of the College and are in clear violation of the rules of the College. You have been given the opportunity to discuss your grievances with the appropriate authorities.  In no event will the Administration of this College accede to demands backed by force.  Accordingly, you are directed to terminate this demonstration.  If you have not done so within 15 minutes, I will, under the authority of the Board of Trustees, take whatever measures are necessary to restore order—including calling for law enforcement assistance.  Any student who continues to participate in this demonstration is subject to suspension.  Any student or other person who continues to participate in this demonstration is subject to possible arrest.”

DIRECTIVE B:  TO IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE DEMONSTRATION WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Identify yourself and read the following:  “You have been previously directed to terminate this demonstration and you have been put on notice as to the consequences of your failure to do so.  Since you have chosen to remain in violation of the rules and regulations of the College, each of you is hereby suspended, subject to later review.  Sheriff’s deputies will now be called in to assist in dispersing this assembly.  Those who fail to leave immediately will be subject to arrest.”



Can't find it? Try the Cougar Search Engine

 

College of the Canyons

Valencia campus:

(661) 259-7800

• 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Canyon Country campus:

(661) 362-3800

• 17200 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91351