Santa Clarita Community College District

POLICY MANUAL

Policy: 528 - Student Affairs: STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section: 500

Date Adopted: 12/11/91 

528.1

The process of educating students for responsible citizenship in a democratic society requires reasonable opportunity for them to exercise the rights of freedom of speech and expression in the context of the community college environment.

The purpose of this policy is to insure the exercise of these rights with due regard to the rights of others and the need for reasonable restrictions in the operation of the College.

In order to provide this experience for students within the framework of Education Code Section 76120, the Board establishes the following policies, to be supplemented by administrative rules and regulations as reasonably required. Official college-sponsored materials are not covered by this policy.

528.2

College of the Canyons' students have the right to exercise free expression including, but not limited to, the use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printed materials or petitions, and the wearing of buttons, badges, and other insignia.

1. Circulation of Petitions, Circulars, Newspapers and Other Printed Matter

   Students shall be allowed to distribute petitions, circulars, leaflets, newspapers, and other printed matter subject to the following limitations.

1. Time

   The time of distribution shall be limited to the hours that college is in session. Distribution shall not be allowed during special events, such as dances, banquets, commencement, etc. Other restrictions shall be in keeping with the administrative rules and regulations.

2. Place

   All distribution activities shall be confined to areas specified by the Coordinator, Student Activities. Distribution shall not:

   1. Take place in college building,

   2. Interfere with the normal flow of traffic, or

   3. Impede entrance to or exit from college facilities.

3. Manner

   1. Coercion is not to be used to induce students to accept the printed matter or to sign petitions.

   2. Funds or donations may not be collected for the material distributed, except as permitted by other sections of Board Policy.

   3. Copies of leaflets and printed materials to be distributed or posted shall be submitted to the designated college official (Coordinator, Student Activities) for approval prior to distribution. This action should take place at least seventy-two hours prior to such distribution to insure ample time for appeals. These copies shall be kept on file in the Student Activities Office. Approval or disapproval of such distribution shall be indicated within twenty-four (24) hours, subsequent to receipt, or by the same time the next college day. The official may limit the number of students, or group of students, who may distribute materials in any one day, as well as the number of distribution days for any one handout.

   4. Materials may not be left unattended on college grounds unless placed in an administratively approved distribution device.

   5. All copies of handout materials must clearly indicate the name of the sponsoring student or on-campus group making distribution.

   6. Persons responsible for distribution of materials will also be responsible for appropriate cleanup activities.

2. Buttons, Badges, and Other Insignia or Symbolic Expression

   Students shall be permitted to wear buttons, badges, arm bands, and other insignia as a form of expression, subject to the hereinafter mentioned prohibitions.

3. Bulletin Boards

   In keeping with administrative rules and regulations, students shall be provided with bulletin boards for use in posting student materials on campus locations convenient to student use.

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528.3

In the exercise of the student rights described above, and in accordance with the guidelines established in Ed. Code Section 76120, no student shall distribute materials, wear buttons or other displays nor post notices or other materials which:

1. Are obscene to minors according to current legal definitions.

2. Are libelous or slanderous according to current legal definitions.

3. Incite students so as to create a clear and present danger of imminent commission of unlawful acts on college premises or of the violation of lawful college regulations or of the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the college.

4. Express or advocate racial, ethnic, religious, age, gender or sexual orientation prejudice so as to create a clear and present danger of imminent commission of unlawful acts on college premises or of the violation of lawful college regulations or of the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the College.

5. Are distributed in violation of the time, place, and manner requirements.

528.4

The Superintendent-President of the College shall designate a person (Chief Student Services Officer, or other administrator) to review material and exercise administrative responsibilities as required by this policy. However, any student may appeal a decision of the aforementioned administrator concerning this policy to the Superintendent-President or designee who shall render a decision within a reasonable time or no later than one college day after receipt of the appeal.

528.5

Violation of this policy by any student is sufficient cause for suitable disciplinary action.

528.6

The designated College administrator shall develop administrative rules and regulations to implement this policy.

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