Policy 4.09

Minneapolis Community and Technical College recognizes and supports the rights of Constitutionally-protected speech and expression. This policy informs students and the public of the manner in which they may engage in constitutionally protected speech and expression at the College. It is intended to ensure the primary educational purpose of the College, which includes promoting debate and the sharing of information.

The College maintains its right to establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions concerning acts of speech and expression in order to preserve the educational and business functions of the College. Acts that interfere with the educational purpose or business functions of the College are prohibited.

Part 1. Students' Rights to Free Expression

Subpart A. Areas

In accordance with Minnesota State policy 3.1 Students Rights and Responsibilities, Minneapolis Community and Technical College endorses students' right to assemble, to select speakers, and to discuss issues of their choice. For this purpose, the College has designated the following areas for students to engage in free speech and expression:

• The outdoor plaza adjacent to Loring Park
• The College Center in the Helland Center
• The T Building area near the skyway to the K Building
• Other areas of the College may be used with advanced permission

Subpart B. Notice

Students or student organizations who want to use the designated areas are required to file a permit with the Director of Student Life. Permits will not be denied based on the content or subject matter of the expression. Students and student organizations may not engage in activities that substantially disrupt the work of the institution or interfere with the opportunity of other students to obtain an education or otherwise infringe upon the rights of others. The College retains its right to implement time, place and manner restrictions on the expression including controlling sound volume of the activity.

Part 2. Members of the Public

Subpart A. Area

The College has designated a 10-foot by 10-foot area on the lower level of the plaza adjacent to Loring Park for the purpose of allowing members of the public to engage in free speech and expression on the College campus. Members of the public are prohibited from engaging in expression or distribution of materials outside of this designated area.

Subpart B. Registration

Members of the public who want to utilize the designated public speech area must register with the College's Department of Public Safety three (3) days prior to using the designated area. Individuals or organizations will not be denied use of the space based upon the content or subject matter of the expression. Members of the public may not engage in activities that substantially disrupt the work of the institution or interfere with the opportunity of students to obtain an education or otherwise infringe upon the rights of others. The College retains its right to regulate time, place and manner of public expression in the designated area including regulating sound volume and maximum length of activity.

Subpart C. Exclusions

The public speech area may not be used for commercial ventures or business activities.

Date of Adoption: 7/1/1999

Date of Implementation (if different from from adoption date):

Date of Last Review: 6/29/2006

Date and Subject of Revisions: