Student Demonstrations and Assemblies

Indian River State College recognizes a fundamental obligation to encourage the pursuit of truth and to provide maximum opportunities for self-fulfillment of individuals, for these are requisite factors in an environment for educational excellence and are basic elements in a society dedicated to the concept of human freedom. The opportunity for freedom in any meaningful sense depends essentially upon an enlightened, responsible citizenry. The freedom enjoyed by any individual can be attained only through respect for the rights and freedom of others.

Indian River State College is thus committed to respect the rights of minorities, majorities, and individuals and to zealously guard these rights through every means at its disposal. An environment for educational excellence involves the free exchange of ideas, and inevitably, invites differences of opinion. The right to differ in opinion is a right which is not only respected but encouraged when responsibly exercised through rational and fair expression, provided it does not disrupt or interfere with orderly processes of the College or in any other manner infringe upon the rights of others.

Student concerns and dissent are best expressed through the established processes of college student government, which offer a means for appropriate hearing of grievances, study, and recommendation for change. Unfortunately, tragic incidents elsewhere have made it necessary for all colleges in Florida to establish policies and procedures to treat those situations where responsibilities are not met and disorders threaten the rights of others or the orderly processes of the institution.

1. To assure that the resolves and functions of the College shall not be frustrated by disorderly activities, the right of orderly dissent on College property must be restricted to members of the College community. Persons not officially related to the College will be directed to leave the campus immediately or be subject to arrest on a charge of trespass.
2. The following specific guidelines will be observed by those members of the College community who choose to express their opinions through picketing, demonstrating, or other forms of public expression. Their purpose is to maintain a climate of freedom on the campus through orderly procedures, not to prevent the expression of opinion.
   1. All forms of public expression, including picketing and demonstrating, must be peaceful at all times and in no way disrupt public order or safety or interfere with the legitimate educational or institutional processes.
   2. Public expression of opinion should not violate the rights of others. Such expressions and demonstrations should not violate the rights of others to assemble or the rights of speakers to free expression.
   3. Activities and noise levels must not interfere with the integrity of the classrooms, the privacy of the neighboring homes, or the functioning of the College offices.
   4. College property, including structures, grounds, and equipment must not be damaged, defaced, or otherwise abused.
   5. Violations of College regulations will be treated according to the procedures defined in the Code of Student Conduct.
   6. Any campus assembly, which in the judgment of a College official, violates or threatens to violate College regulations shall disband upon the request of such officer. Designated official: President, Vice Presidents, Deans, Campus Directors.
      
3. In the event of non-compliance, the President or his designated representative may enlist the assistance of appropriate law enforcement agencies to restore order.
4. A student who fails to observe College regulations may, after notice of charges and a hearing thereon, be suspended or expelled by the President if he shall be found to have committed an act which disrupts or interferes with educational or orderly processes or operation of the College.
5. In situations where there is persistent non-compliance with College regulations or where immediate action appears necessary to prevent injury to person or property, the President has the discretionary power to suspend a participating student pending a hearing to be scheduled after such action. Such hearing shall be held as soon as possible without prejudicing the rights of the student. All College administered financial support of a student so suspended or so expelled shall be terminated as of the date of the suspension or expulsion.
6. Students are reminded that they are subject to federal and state law and that violation will make them liable to arrest and prosecution. Conviction of a student for a criminal offense involving personal misconduct of a kind which interferes with the orderly process or operation of the College or of a kind which, if condoned by the College, would reflect dishonor or discredit on the college shall be sufficient grounds for suspension or expulsion of such student.