East Central Community College is instituting a new policy regarding freedom of expression after the Board of Trustees approved the policy last Tuesday.
Dr. Billy Stewart, president of East Central, said the college fully supports the first amendment rights of its students and faculty. The new policy, he said, is not an effort to limit free speech, rather it lays out the guidelines for time, place and manner.
“We are committed to freedom of speech, assembly and expression, even if those seeking a venue may contradict the college ideals or personal views or our employees,” he said.
Under the new policy, the college has designated two public forums on campus people or groups can use to express their views, protest or gather. By designating public forums, Stewart said the college hopes to protect the rights of its students and staff while maintaining a learning environment for students.
“What we’re simply trying t o do is place reasonable limitations on the time, place and manner of the speech,” he said. “But, we’re not going to take a position on the content or the viewpoint of that speech.
East Central Community College has not previously had an issue with speakers on campus, and Policy 111: Freedom of Expression is not intended to solve any perceived problems.
“We have not had a major issue here at East Central with any type of freedom of expression issues, but we felt like it’s important that we go ahead and state the boards policy on freedom of expression,” he said. “We will recognize and uphold those rights that are guaranteed by the constitution, but in a manner that will allow the educational process to continue uninterrupted here.”
In other business the Board of Trustees:
•● Approved advertising for bids for replacement chiller units in Phil A. Sutphin Hall and Barber Hall;
●•Approved advertising for bids to replace the roof on the South Campus Gymnasium;
●•Approved advertising for bids for supplies for the Early College Program;
●•Approved a memorandum of agreement with the Mississippi Community College Board to continue sponsoring Early Childhood Education through Sept. 30, 2020; and
●•Updated and clarified language in policies 400.15, 404.6, 406, 313.4 and 741.11.
