STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM
Trenholm State subscribes to the following principles:
1. Instructors are free to conduct independent research and to publish the results so long as the activities do not interfere with their assigned duties; however, research for pecuniary gain should not be undertaken without an understanding with the Executive Vice President.
2. In the classroom, instructors have full freedom to discuss their subjects. They should not introduce into their teaching irrelevant controversial matter. Within this limitation, the College protects the rights of both the students and instructors to a “free search for truth and its exposition.”
3. The College respects the rights and privileges of instructors as citizens but believes that their positions impose special obligations. Hence, instructors are free from institutional censorship or discipline when they speak, write, or act as citizens; however, they should always remember that the public may judge the College by their words and behavior, and should therefore be accurate, exercise restraint, respect the opinions of others, and make it clear that they are not spokespersons for the institution.
Citizenship
Students at H. Councill Trenholm State Community College are both private citizens and members of the college community. As U.S. citizens, students enjoy the same freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and right of petition that other citizens enjoy. As members of the college community, they are expected to follow institutional rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct and in the Student Handbook. Faculty members and administrative officials ensure that institutional powers are not employed to inhibit the intellectual and personal development of students exercising their rights both on and off the campus.
Speech and Expression
Students will be free to discuss questions of interest and to express opinion. Public expression of students or student organizations reflects the views of those making the statement and not necessarily those of the college community. The institution retains the right to provide an educational environment that is safe and orderly for students, faculty, and staff.
Freedom of Inquiry and Expression
Students and chartered student organizations are free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately in a responsible way. They are free to support causes by orderly means including any means of peaceful assembly or advocacy, which do not infringe upon the rights or freedoms of others.
Guest Speakers
In accordance with the Campus Speakers Policy, chartered student organizations may invite persons of their own choosing for campus appearances. Such invitations must be submitted to the Dean of Student Services for review and approval before arrangements for the campus visit are finalized with the guest. Guest appearances must not interfere with the college’s regular instructional, research, and service activities and programs. Except for ceremonial occasions, invited speakers should be prepared to participate in reasonable public activities. Such public discussions may include classroom visits, attendance at receptions and related functions, media appearances, and participation in community activities, programs and projects. Invited speakers are accorded the full courtesy and protection appropriate to a college community. Individuals or groups who engage in actions designed to obstruct or in any way to prevent the presentation are subject to discipline and financial responsibility, in the event of damage to property or person. The institutional control of campus facilities and the integrity of the academic environment are not to be used as a device of censorship. Sponsorship of guest speakers does not imply approval or endorsement of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring organization or the college.
Off-Campus Speakers
The freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States
The constitution shall be enjoyed by the students and faculty of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College. Free discussion of subjects of either a controversial or non-controversial nature shall not be curtailed. However, there is no absolute right to assemble or to make or hear a speech at any time or place regardless of the circumstances, content of speech, the purpose of assembly, or probable consequences of such meeting or speech. Any chartered organization sponsoring outside speakers is responsible for inappropriate speeches made by outside speakers, and will be held under the disciplinary code as outlined in the manual for clubs and organizations.
Assembly and Demonstration
Students are free to organize and to associate for the promotion of their common interests. Assembly and Demonstration (just as Speech and Expression) within the public places of the college are permitted, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. All student assemblies have to be approved by the Dean of Student Affairs or his designee. Such restrictions are provided for the maintenance of order and are applicable to local, state laws. The Dean of Student Affairs designates areas for assembly and demonstration. Persons or groups engaged in these activities must adhere to regulations governing the use of the designated areas.