WAC 495B-150-010. First amendment activities

As a public institution of higher education in the state of Washington, Bellingham Technical College recognizes and supports that freedom of expression and assembly are an indispensable quality of college life, and that active participation in political and social expression both enhances the education of the individual and contributes to the betterment of society. The college is committed to respecting and upholding the rights afforded by the first amendment of Constitution of the United States, including the right to free speech, petition, and to peaceably assemble, and that no act shall be undertaken by the college to abridge that freedom. The college further recognizes that it has the obligation to maintain an atmosphere that allows it to carry out its broad missions of teaching, research, and public service in the course of normal operations of the college. As such, the college's property and facilities are reserved primarily for educational use including, but not limited to, instruction, research, public assembly of college groups, student activities, and activities directly related to the educational mission of the college. The public character of the college does not grant individuals or groups the right to substantially interfere with, or otherwise disrupt, the normal activities for and to which the college's facilities and property are dedicated by the state of Washington. To achieve the objectives herein, it is essential that free expression be accomplished in a manner that allows for the orderly function of normal college operations. Thus, the time, place, and manner regulations set forth in this policy establish procedures and reasonable controls for the use of college property. It is intended to balance the college's responsibility to fulfill its mission as a state educational institution of Washington with the interests of college groups and noncollege groups who are interested in using the campus for purposes of constitutionally protected speech, assembly, or expression. For general guidelines on the use of college facilities, see chapter 495B-140 WAC.