INTRODUCTION

Applicability

This policy applies to the Colby Community College (“CCC” or the “College”) campus community, including all students, personnel, and visitors.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to preserve an environment of open inquiry, spirited debate, and the free exchange of ideas while supporting the educational mission of Colby Community College.

Definitions

Expressive Activity 

Non-commercial expression protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including peaceful assembly, speeches, protests, picketing, literature distribution, and similar expressive communications and activities. 

Expressive Activity does not include expression that constitutes a true threat, incitement to imminent lawless action, obscenity, defamation, fighting words, unlawful harassment, or conduct that materially and substantially disrupts College operations.

Participants

Any member of the campus community, including students, employees, and visitors, who engages in Expressive Activity on the CCC campus.

Employees may not participate in Expressive Activity during scheduled work hours or while receiving compensation from the College.

General Statement

Freedom of expression is essential to the College’s educational mission and the pursuit of knowledge. Colby Community College supports the right of all members of the campus community to exercise their First Amendment rights on campus. The College encourages participants to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue consistent with the College’s educational mission.

The College will enforce this policy in a content- and viewpoint-neutral manner. The College will not retaliate against any individual or organization for engaging in protected Expressive Activity. Expressive Activity by participants does not constitute endorsement by Colby Community College.

This policy does not preclude the application of other College policies, procedures, or applicable federal, state, or local laws and regulations. Participants who materially and substantially disrupt College operations, obstruct access, threaten safety, damage property, or otherwise violate applicable laws or College policies may be subject to disciplinary action, removal from campus, and/or referral to law enforcement.

I. Expressive Activity Facility Request

CCC recognizes that campuses serve as marketplaces of ideas. Scheduled Expressive Activities that require campus facilities are best requested in advance. This allows the College to assist organizers in conducting events safely and efficiently while minimizing disruption to College operations.

Expressive Activity that is promoted in advance or reasonably expected to draw a crowd of at least ten people is encouraged to register in advance, preferably at least 48 hours before the requested activity, by contacting the Executive Vice President and providing the following information:

1. Date and time of the activity;
2. Purpose of the activity; and
3. Requested location.

Advance registration is encouraged for logistical and safety purposes but is not required for lawful spontaneous Expressive Activity.

If use of a College facility is requested, reservations should be submitted through reservations@colbycc.edu in accordance with standard College facility-use procedures.

No reservation request will be denied based on the content or viewpoint of the proposed Expressive Activity or organizer. Any denial shall include a written explanation. Appeals may be submitted in writing within ten business days to the President or designee.

For events occurring on public sidewalks or streets adjacent to the College, organizers are responsible for complying with applicable municipal ordinances and securing any required permits.

II. Unscheduled Expressive Activity

Unscheduled Expressive Activity may generally occur in accessible outdoor areas of campus or in publicly accessible, non-academic areas traditionally available for student expression, including the Student Union and the CCC Library.

Unscheduled Expressive Activity may be relocated or limited when:

1. The activity does not meet the definition of protected Expressive Activity;
2. The activity conflicts with a previously scheduled event in the same location; or
3. The activity violates reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions established by the College.

When multiple Expressive Activities occur simultaneously and create safety concerns or material disruption, the College may establish reasonable perimeters or relocate activities to protect public safety and maintain orderly operations.

III. Location

In accordance with Kansas House Bill 2333, also known as the KIRK Act, outdoor areas of the CCC campus that are generally accessible to the public are available for Expressive Activity. These areas include:

• Grassy areas;
• Walkways; and
• Common outdoor areas.

Certain indoor facilities customarily available for public or student use may also be reserved in accordance with standard College procedures during normal operating hours.

Blocking entrances or exits to buildings is prohibited.

Participants are responsible for leaving any location used for Expressive Activity in its original condition. Individuals or organizations causing damage to College property may be assessed reasonable repair or cleaning costs.

IV. Reasonable Restrictions

The College reserves the right to impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions necessary to protect public safety, preserve College property, and maintain the orderly operation of the institution.

Contact Information