Freedom of Speech

MiraCosta College is dedicated to the free exchange of ideas. First Amendment rights guarantee freedom of speech.

Academic freedom is the freedom to express and defend one's view or beliefs and the freedom to question and differ without repression or academic penalty. In an institution of free inquiry, it is the right of all to express their views. The superintendent/president shall enact such administrative procedures as are necessary to reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of the exercise of free expression. At MiraCosta College, these regulations are identified in Administrative Procedure 5550.

Administrative procedures shall not prohibit the right of students to exercise free expression, including but not limited to the use of bulletin boards designated for such use, the distribution of printed materials or petitions in those parts of the college designated as areas generally available to students and the community, and the wearing of buttons, badges, or other insignia.

Students shall be free to exercise their rights of free expression, subject to the requirements of this policy.

Speech shall be prohibited that is defamatory, obscene according to current legal standards, or that so incites others as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on district property or the violation of district policies or procedures, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the district.

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the regulation of hate violence, so long as the regulation conforms to the requirements of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, and of Section 2 of Article 1 of the California Constitution. Students may be disciplined for harassment, threats, intimidation, or hate violence, unless such speech is constitutionally protected.

(Source: MCCCD Board Policy)