Free Speech and Expression at MiraCosta College

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At MiraCosta College, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that supports the rights of students, employees, and community members to engage in free speech and expression. This commitment is grounded in our adherence to federal, state, and local laws and the policies and procedures established by the MiraCosta Community College District.

Governing Principles and Policies

MiraCosta College upholds the principles of free speech through policies that ensure expression is respected while maintaining a safe and orderly campus environment. The following governing documents outline our approach to free speech:

  • Board Policy 3900: Speech - Time, Place, and Manner: This policy sets the framework for when, where, and how speech and expressive activities may occur on campus, ensuring they do not interfere with the educational mission of the college.
  • Administrative Procedure 3900: Speech - Time, Place, and Manner: These procedures provide detailed guidelines on implementing Board Policy 3900, including specific protocols for organizing and conducting speech-related activities on campus.

Free Speech Activities (Non-Commercial)

MiraCosta College welcomes free speech activities, including members of the public, to engage in free expression on our campuses. The Offices of Student Affairs and Student Life & Leadership are here to support and provide guidance regarding free speech and expression to ensure that speech activities are conducted in accordance with college policies and applicable laws. If there are questions, please contact the following: 

Oceanside Campus: Devon Boone (dboone@miracosta.edu) and Terrence Shaw (tshaw@miracosta.edu) 
San Elijo Campus: Colleen Maeder (cmaeder@miracosta.edu) 
Community Learning Center: Mitra De Souza (mdesouza@miracosta.edu) 

Commercial Speech Activities

Additional guidelines apply to individuals or groups interested in conducting commercial activities or speeches on campus, such as soliciting or distributing commercial literature. Please visit our Facilities website for more information on obtaining the necessary permissions and ensuring compliance with campus regulations.

Posting and Distribution of Literature

The college has designated bulletin boards across campus for the posting of materials by students, employees, and members of the public. To maintain an organized and respectful environment, the following guidelines apply:

  • All posted materials must clearly indicate the author or sponsoring agency.
  • Student Life & Leadership will provide a stamp approving materials for MiraCosta-sponsored events and information to be posted for 10 days. 
  • All non-MiraCosta-sponsored information will be removed from bulletin boards after three days.
  • MiraCosta College reserves the right to designate part of each public posting area specifically for promoting campus-related activities.

For further details on these policies or to seek assistance with free speech activities, please contact the Offices of Student Affairs and/or Student Life and Leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help clarify common concerns and questions related to free speech on campus, we have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

What types of speech are protected under the college's policies?
MiraCosta College protects speech as long as they comply with federal, state, and local laws and do not disrupt the operations of the District or violate college policies.
Are there any restrictions on where I can engage in free speech activities?
Free speech activities can occur in publicly accessible locations where the activity is unlikely to significantly interfere with and/or disrupt college operations. If there is a substantial disruption to a MiraCosta-sponsored event or activity, the college reserves the right to relocate free speech activities to a location that does not significantly interfere with and/or disrupt college operations.
What should I do if I believe my free speech rights have been violated?
If you believe your free speech rights have been violated, you should immediately report the incident to the Office of Student Life and Leadership and/or Student Affairs for review and appropriate action.
How can student organizations promote their events and activities on campus?
Student organizations can promote their events by posting materials on designated bulletin boards and using approved distribution methods. All promotional materials must comply with college policies and be approved by the Office of Student Life and Leadership. Additionally, student organizations may post about their events through Enage by visiting miracosta.edu/Engage.
What support resources exist for students impacted by free speech demonstrations or activities?

The district has various support resources for students:

  • If students would benefit from support, they can complete a CARE Referral Form to connect to on and off-campus resources.
  • The Social Justice and Equity Center (OC1026) will be open for students who wish to connect with other students and explore resources and opportunities to express themselves.
  • Mental Health Counseling at MiraCosta College Health Services is free for students who have paid the health fee during normal business hours. Sessions are available in person at the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses or via Zoom or phone. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 760.795.6675 or complete the online form available.
What support resources exist for employees impacted by free speech demonstrations or activities?

MiraCosta employees and their dependents are eligible to receive confidential services to help with various personal challenges. The Employee Assistance Services for Education (EASE) provides free, short-term counseling over the phone or by appointment. To learn more, please contact the EASE Program at 1.888.736.7009. More about EASE.

Employees with district-sponsored benefits may also have access to counseling services through their healthcare providers. More information is available.

What happens if someone takes and/or damages any of our designated property (e.g. promotional materials, posters, etc.) during a free speech demonstration?

Taking designated property (e.g. promotional materials, posters, etc.) without consent or damaging property (e.g. ripping, tearing, etc.) is considered a violation of the Standards of Student Conduct. Furthermore, individuals impacted by this could pursue legal action against those who engaged in this behavior.If you believe your property was violated, you should immediately report the incident to the Office of Student Life and Leadership and/or Student Affairs for review and appropriate action. If pursuing legal action, you should immediately report the incident to College Police at 760.795.6640.

Reporting and Addressing Concerns

MiraCosta College is committed to ensuring that members of the community can exercise their free speech rights. If you have concerns about free speech activities or believe your rights have been violated, here’s what you can do:

  • Reporting Mechanisms
    You can report any concerns or violations related to free speech by submitting a CARE Referral Form, which will route to the Offices of Student Affairs and Student Life & Leadership.
  • Conflict Resolution
    Upon receiving a report, the Student Affairs team will conduct an investigation to address the concern. The resolution process may involve mediation, consultation, or other appropriate actions to resolve disputes and uphold the principles of free speech.

District Policies and Respect for Others

MiraCosta College supports free speech and we also emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.

Event Planning and Coordination

If you are planning an event that involves free speech activities, here’s how we can help:

  • Event Planning Resources
    The Office of Student Life and Leadership offers resources to assist students with event planning, including guidelines for reserving space, arranging logistics, and ensuring compliance with college policies.
  • Contact Information
    For assistance with event planning, please contact the Office of Student Life and Leadership. We are here to help you navigate the process and ensure a successful event.
  • Other Important Considerations
    To ensure your free speech activity follows protocols of the Administrative Procedure 3900: Speech - Time, Place, and Manner
    • Make sure your setup does not impede the walkway/pathway of individuals passing by.
    • Do not force individuals passing by to take any promotional materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, etc.).
    • If using amplification (e.g. megaphone) while chanting and speaking, make sure it does not disturb nearby classrooms or offices. Free-speech activities must not exceed a volume of sixty-five decibels at a distance of fifty feet.