Free Expression and Posting Policy

Free Speech at Santiago Canyon College

The Rancho Santiago Community College District is committed to assuring that all persons may exercise the constitutionality protected rights of Free Expression, including but not limited to speech, peaceful assembly, worship, use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printed materials or petitions, and the wearing of buttons, badges, and other insignia (AR 3900).​​ 

Any individual or group may use exterior spaces, including lawns, plazas, quadrangles, patios, or related open spaces on the College campuses and District grounds for the exercise of academic freedom and Free Expression (AR 3900).​ 

Individuals or groups wishing to participate in Free Expression activities are encouraged to check-in with the College’s Office of Student Life or Facilities Coordinator and complete the online form HERE. Checking-in will not result in a denial or limitation of Free Expression. It will provide notification to the College pertaining to the activities to be conducted, as well as allow for safety measures for the individual or group, and all college community members to be maintained (AR 3900). 

DISTRICT REG​​​​ULATIONS​​ 

In order to protect the safety of all individuals on campus and to prevent the unreasonable interference with the educational, research, outreach, and other functions of the District and its campuses, the following restrictions, designed to serve a significant public interest, will apply to all public forums on campus. Speakers and organizers must: 

• Allow the District’s regularly scheduled classes, research, events, ceremonies, and normal and​ essential operations to proceed without unreasonable interference. 

• Allow parking and the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 

• Allow the entrance and exit to and from all buildings. 

• Allow a group that has reserved the space to use it. An individual or group with a reservation will have priority in the use of the location. 

• Allow a speaker or performer to be seen and heard by the audience. 

• Maintain a noise level that allows classes, campus events and operations to occur without unreasonable interference. The use of sound amplification shall normally be allowed, except where such sound amplification creates noise or diversion that unreasonably disrupts classroom, College, or District activities or operations. 

• Assure that actions do not create an imminent health or safety hazard. 

• Assure that actions to not destroy District property. 

Physical force, the threat of force, or other coercive activities used to subject anyone, is expressly forbidden and will result in discipline proceedings. ​ 

POSTING OF M​​​​ATERIAL​​ 

Students, employees, and members of the public are free to post any material, as long as it does not promote illegal behavior and must adhere to the Standards of Student Conduct (BP 5500).  

Material may not exceed 120 square inches in size, and will be removed after 10 days. Individuals wishing to post materials must receive a date stamp and provide a copy to the College’s Office of Student Life or Facilities Coordinator. The College’s Office of Student Life or Facilities Coordinator will not deny a posting due to content and/or viewpoint. Items that have expired or are not dated will be removed. ​​ 

Please direct any questions to the Office of Student Life and Leadership at (714) 628-4710.