Purpose
The purpose of this policy, and the associated procedure, is to provide guidance to the San Jacinto College community regarding freedom of expression that occurs on the College campuses and the District Administration buildings.
Policy
San Jacinto College is committed to fostering a learning environment where free inquiry and expression are encouraged. The College expects that persons engaging in organized expressive activities will demonstrate respect for the safety of persons and property, respect for those who may disagree with their message, and compliance with College policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
The College recognizes that freedom of speech is a fundamental right. Per Texas Education Code Section 51.9315, freedom of expression is of critical importance and requires the College to ensure free, robust, and uninhibited debate and deliberations by students enrolled at the institution, regardless of whether the students are on or off campus.
The College recognizes freedom of speech and assembly as central to the mission of institutions of higher education and ensures that all persons may assemble peaceably on College campuses and the District Administration buildings for expressive activities, including to listen to or observe the expressive activities of others.
Notwithstanding these rights and freedoms, the College adopts a policy that imposes reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of expressive activities on the College’s campuses and the District Administration buildings.
Definitions
Expressive Activities: Any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by Section 8, Article I, Texas Constitution, and includes assemblies, protests, speeches, the distribution of written material, the carrying of signs, and the circulation of petitions. The term does not include commercial speech.
The Authority, Applicability, Sanctions, Exclusions, and Interpretation do not differ from Policy II.2000.A, Policy and Procedures Development, Review, Revision, and Rescission.
Associated Procedures
Procedure VII.7003.A.a, Expressive Activities
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Date of Board Approval |
This policy became effective as of December 9, 2020, under the Chancellor’s authority granted by the Board under Policy II.2000.A, Policy and Procedure Development, Review, Revision, and Rescission. Permanent affirmation of the change followed the standard policy review process at the next regularly scheduled meetings of the Board with approval on March 1, 2021 |
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Effective Date |
December 9, 2020 |
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Primary Owner |
Deputy Chancellor & President
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Secondary Owner |
Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Services |