Policies and Procedures

1. Purpose

Kaskaskia College recognizes and affirms the fundamental rights of students, faculty, staff, and authorized visitors to engage in peaceful protest, assembly, and expression as protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I of the Illinois Constitution. This policy establishes a framework that balances these constitutional rights with the College's mission to provide a safe, inclusive educational environment and maintain normal operations.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all members of the College community and visitors while on College property, including all buildings, grounds, and facilities owned, leased, or controlled by Kaskaskia College.

3. Definitions

Amplified Sound - Any electronically enhanced audio device, including but not limited to microphones, speakers, bullhorns, public address systems, or sound equipment that projects voice or music audible beyond 50 feet from the source or above normal conversational levels.

Clear Threat to Safety - Objectively observable conditions, including but not limited to:

• Physical violence or credible threats of violence
• Blocking emergency vehicle access or egress routes
• Creating hazardous conditions (fire hazards, structural damage, unsafe crowd density)
• Weapons present or threats involving weapons
• Activities that reasonable campus safety personnel would determine create an imminent risk of physical harm

College Community - Current students, faculty, staff, trustees, contractors, and persons with legitimate college business while on college property.

Demonstration/Protest - Any gathering of two or more persons for the purpose of expressing views, opinions, or grievances through speeches, rallies, vigils, picketing, distribution of materials, or other expressive activities.

Disruption of Normal Operations - Activities that measurably interfere with:

• Scheduled classes, meetings, or official college events
• Essential college services (dining, library, emergency services)
• Vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow on designated pathways
• Access to college facilities during posted operating hours

External Participants - Persons who are not current students, faculty, staff, trustees, contractors, or persons conducting legitimate college business.

Large-Scale Event - Any demonstration involving any of the following:

• More than 15 participants
• Amplified sound equipment
• Temporary structures, staging, or equipment
• Expected duration exceeding 4 hours
• Activities requiring security or crowd control measures

Lawful Protest - Expressive activities conducted in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and college policies, that do not infringe upon the rights of others or substantially disrupt college operations.

Peaceful - Non-violent in nature, without physical confrontation, threats, intimidation, harassment, or destruction of property.

Spontaneous Demonstration - Demonstrations with fewer than 15 participants, no amplified sound, and a duration of 4 hours or less that do not require advance notification.

4. Policy Statement

Kaskaskia College supports the right of individuals to engage in lawful protest and demonstration activities within established guidelines that ensure:

1. Protection of Constitutional Rights - The College will not restrict expression based on the content, viewpoint, or message of the demonstration.
2. Designated Areas - Demonstrations shall be conducted in areas specifically designated by the College to ensure safety, minimize disruption to educational activities, and maintain campus operations.
3. Safety and Security - All expressive activities must be conducted in a manner that does not create clear threats to safety or endanger persons or property.
4. Educational Mission - Demonstrations may not substantially disrupt the College's educational mission, scheduled activities, or normal operations.
5. Equal Access - All members of the College community have equal rights to engage in lawful expressive activities under this policy.
6. Respect for Non-Participation - Members of the College community have the right to choose not to participate in demonstrations and shall not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, or coercion to participate in or support expressive activities. Access to College facilities, services, and educational opportunities shall not be conditioned upon participation in or support of any demonstration.
7. Non-Retaliation - No member of the College community shall face disciplinary action, retaliation, or penalty solely for engaging in lawful protest activities conducted in accordance with this policy or for choosing not to participate in such activities.

5. Authority and Responsibility

The VP of Student Services or designee serves as the primary administrator of this policy and point of contact for demonstration-related matters. The Director of Public Safety or designee maintains authority over safety-related determinations and enforcement actions as specified in the accompanying procedure.

6. Violations

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action under applicable College policies, including but not limited to the Student Code of Conduct, employee disciplinary procedures, or visitor conduct policies.