Office of the Vice President of Instruction, Columbia College
11600 Columbia College – Sonora, CA - 95370
Phone 209.588.5107 Fax 209.588.5302
3-4-14
Columbia College Guidelines and Procedure for Requesting
College Facilities for Free Speech
YCCD Board Policy 3900 allows Columbia College to establish institutional regulations and procedures,
and in accordance with Board policy, Columbia College has established such regulations and procedures
to provide students and community members with the opportunity to exercise their right of expression,
while fostering an atmosphere and conditions in which Columbia College’s educational mission can be
carried out without disruption. Columbia College shall identify appropriate locations on campus to be
used as limited public forums as prescribed by YCCD Board Policy.
Limited public forums on Columbia College’s campus are “areas generally available to students and the
community,” defined as grassy areas, walkways, or other similar common areas. This definition governs
the phrase “areas generally available to students and the community” as it is used throughout this
guideline.
GUIDELINES:
1. No event, speech, demonstration, activity or other exercise of “Free Speech” on campus shall
interfere with or disrupt the educational process or other scheduled activities of the campus or its
facilities.
2. Columbia College recognizes the right of free speech expression, but encourages speakers to be
respectful of all people. The following types of expression, as defined by law, are considered
unprotected speech, and will not be tolerated: threats, incitement of imminent lawless action,
racial and sexual harassment, fighting words, obscenity and defamation.
3. Cooperation with Columbia College staff is expected when visiting the campus and/or using
campus tables, equipment and facilities.
4. Speakers will comply with college, city, state and federal regulations governing free expression.
5. Use of free speech areas is permitted every day from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Speakers who will be
using the free speech areas outside normal working hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00
pm) are encouraged to notify the Office of the Vice President of Instruction to coordinate their
event.
CANCELLATION NOTIFICATION:
Office
of
the Vice President of Instruction
11600 Columbia College, Sonora, CA
95370
Phone 209.588.5107 Fax
209.588.5302
Groups and speakers are encouraged to give advance notice of their use of campus areas for free
expression. If cancellation is necessary, immediate notice shall be given to the Office of the Vice
President of Instruction.