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Practicing Free Speech

DRAFT

In general, Seattle Colleges students, employees and guests are asked to act in a respectful, constructive manner as responsible members of our community. This includes:

  • Maintaining high standards of honesty and integrity
  • Respecting the rights of others and cooperating with all parts of the Seattle Colleges community to ensure that such rights are guaranteed, whether or not the views of those exercising such rights are consistent with one's own
  • Following laws, regulations, and policies
  • Refraining from interference with campus functions and from endangering the health, safety, welfare, or property of others

Reference: Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 132F: Student Conduct.

Additional specific guidelines are listed in the accordion boxes below. 

Reminder of Your Rights as an Individual

  • You are not required to engage with college groups, outside groups, or individuals who come to campus. It is your decision to ignore, engage in debate, or hold alternative events.
  • If you do choose to engage in a public space, outside groups may record you and share those recordings online. If you do not wish to be recorded, you may want to avoid interaction.
  • You have the right to accept or decline interview requests from individuals or news organizations.

As a federally-funded institution, Seattle Colleges allows the use of facilities to support First Amendment activities as outlined in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 132F-142.

Reference: 

Note: the views and beliefs expressed either verbally or in written form by external organizations should not be construed as reflecting the views of Seattle Colleges, North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College.   

"Free speech zones" have been established at our three colleges to allow for the exercise of free speech in a publicly visible location while balancing the need to avoid disruption of teaching and learning activities. Demonstrations that do not restrict pedestrian traffic or disrupt education are allowed in designated locations.

Current designated locations:

North Seattle College

  • The plaza at the main entrance to campus, just east of the flagpole, between the College Center and Library buildings

Seattle Central College

  • Campus grounds, outdoor spaces

South Seattle College

  • Campus grounds, outdoor spaces; clock tower plaza suggested


Appropriate Conduct for Free Speech Activities

  • In general, any free speech activity must follow college policies and rules, local ordinances, state and federal laws.
  • The activity must comply with fire, safety, sanitation, and any special regulations.
  • College groups are asked to notify the campus public safety department at least 24 hours in advance of any activity.
  • The activity must NOT:
    • obstruct traffic or interfere with access to the college, its buildings, facilities, or activities.
    • create safety hazards or pose safety risks.
    • substantially interfere with educational activities inside or outside any college building or prevent the college from providing an education to its students.
  • Overnight camping is not permitted.
  • Amplification devices must not disrupt or disturb the normal use of classrooms, offices, laboratories, or any previously scheduled college activity.
  • All activity sites should be cleaned up and left in their original condition.

For full details, reference Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 132F-142: 030 Use of Facilities  
 

Safety

Seattle Colleges is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our community and its guests.

Information forthcoming.

Information forthcoming.

Seattle Colleges has developed guidelines for interactions on our social media sites. All users are encouraged to act in a respectful, constructive manner. 

 

Information forthcoming.