Student Expression and Use of College Facilities

I. Purpose and Scope 

Laredo College (“the College”) is committed to fostering an environment where students feel empowered to share ideas, express themselves, and participate in campus life. This policy outlines the expectations and procedures for student and student organization expressive activities, consistent with Texas Senate Bill 2972 (Campus Protection Act) and the College’s commitment to maintaining a safe and engaging learning community. 

Student Expression and Use of College Facilities 

The following outlines students' rights and responsibilities regarding free expression, distribution of materials, use of college facilities, and disciplinary measures. This section ensures that student activities align with institutional guidelines while protecting lawful expression. 

II. Definitions 

Expressive Activities: Any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by Section 8, Article I, Texas Constitution, and includes assemblies, protests, speeches, the distribution of written material, the carrying of signs, and the circulations of petitions. The term does not include commercial speech, defamation, unlawful harassment, incitement to imminent unlawful activity, obscenity or threats to engage in unlawful activity.  

Enrolled Student: For purposes of this section, an “enrolled student” is an individual who is officially registered in a credit or non-credit course or program at Laredo College and whose enrollment status is active for the current academic term, as recognized by the College registrar. Individuals who have withdrawn, been dismissed, or are not currently registered are not considered enrolled students under this section. Any reference to student or students here thereafter will be interpreted to mean enrolled student.  

Student Organization: A group composed of currently enrolled Laredo College students officially recognized by the Office of Student Life that operates in accordance with College policies. 

Third Parties: Individuals or organizations not enrolled or employed by Laredo College. 

Designated Public Forum Areas: Outdoor campus locations approved for expressive activities by the LC Board of Trustees. 

Antisemitism: Laredo College follows the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which includes rhetorical and physical acts targeting Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, and Jewish community institutions. Antisemitic harassment and discrimination are explicitly prohibited.  

III. Institutional Guidelines and Procedures 

1. Rights of Students 

Students have the right to engage in expressive activities in designated spaces, provided their actions remain lawful, safe, and nondisruptive to instruction, operations, or the rights of others. 

2. Use by Student Organizations 

Registered student organizations may host expressive activities such as awareness events, cultural celebrations, displays, or demonstrations, provided they: 

  • Submit an event request through the Office of Student Life; 

  • Comply with time, place, and manner guidelines; and 

  • Ensure activities are consistent with the student code of conduct. 

3. Access by Third Parties 

Per Texas SB 2972, third parties do not have an inherent right to engage in expressive activity on campus property. Access may be permitted under the following conditions: 

  • The individual or organization is formally sponsored by a registered student organization or campus department. 

  • A Facility Use Request or Tabling Reservation Form has been approved by the Office of Event Services. 

  • The activity complies with the College’s safety, security, and operational requirements. 

4. Institutional Neutrality 

The College maintains neutrality on the viewpoints expressed by students or organizations. Approvals are made solely on a content- and viewpoint-neutral basis. 

IV. Time, Place, and Manner Guidelines 

Hours of Activity  

Expressive activities may take place between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Overnight assemblies, camping, or extended occupancy of outdoor areas are not permitted. 

Location and Reservations 

Activities must occur in Designated Public Forum Areas. 

A Registration of Activity & Risk Management Assessment Form is required for all Student Organization activities and events.  These forms must be submitted to the Office of Student Life at least two weeks prior to the date of the event. 

Use of devices to amplify speech or audio requires prior approval and may not disrupt classes or college functions. 

Materials and Displays 

Students may distribute flyers or display materials in designated spaces without blocking walkways or entrances. 

Students and registered student organizations may distribute materials in designated areas, provided they do not disrupt college operations or violate content restrictions. 

The College District is not responsible for content distributed by students unless officially sponsored. 

Instructional materials used in classrooms are exempt from these distribution restrictions. 

Limitations on Content: 

Materials may not be distributed if they: 

  • Are obscene or defamatory. 

  • Advocate unlawful or disruptive actions. 

  • Contain prohibited harassment, including antisemitic content. 

  • Constitute unauthorized solicitation or infringe upon intellectual property rights. 

Posting of Signs 

Signs may be posted in common outdoor areas and designated locations but must comply with size and attachment restrictions. Signs and displays must be self-supported and removed after the event. Please contact the Office of Student Life for additional guidance on signage regulations and assistance.   

Signs cannot be attached to trees, fences, brick walls, statues, or within buildings (except on designated bulletin boards). 

Students and organizations must remove signs within 14 days or within 24 hours after an event concludes. 

Conduct and Identification 

Participants must follow all College conduct standards. 

Masks or coverings that conceal identity during demonstrations are prohibited except for health or religious reasons. 

Students must present a valid Laredo College ID if requested by College officials. 

V. Commitment to Student Engagement 

Laredo College encourages students to engage with one another through events, discussions, and creative expression that strengthen campus culture. The College values: 

Opportunities for students to share ideas and perspectives; 

Activities that build community and school pride; and 

A learning environment where respectful dialogue and expression contribute to student growth and belonging. 

VI. Procedure Review 

The procedures and content stated above will be reviewed annually by the Office of Student Life, in consultation with Event Services, Campus Police, Risk and Safety, and Legal Counsel, to ensure alignment with Texas law and the College’s mission of promoting student engagement, well-being, and success.