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Freedom of Expression

MCC is an institution that believes in the freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and the right to assemble peaceably. People or groups are supported when exercising these freedoms when on our grounds. The purpose of this policy is to facilitate expressive activities while ensuring that such activities do not interfere with College operations and the learning environment.

For anyone lawfully present on the College’s campuses, the outdoor common areas are designated as venues for free expression, including spontaneous expression, speeches, demonstrations, and distribution of information. Anyone who wishes to engage in commercial solicitation must reserve time and space for such activities following the terms of this policy. For purposes of this policy, the term “expressive activity” includes such activities as:

  • Group activities;

  • Speeches, performances, demonstrations, parades, marches, rallies, vigils, and other events;

  • Distributions of informational materials, such as circulars, newspapers, leaflets, and pamphlets;

  • Any other expression, including spontaneous expression, is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

All Freedom of Expression requests should be directed to Chief Compliance & Title IX Officer Kenneth James at kenneth.james@muskegoncc.edu or Dean of Student Services Dr. Patti Davignon at patti.davignon@muskegoncc.edu. Requests should be made at least two business days in advance.

MCC maintains its authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of expressive activities; it shall not consider or regulate the content or viewpoint of expressive activities when enforcing this policy, including by restricting students’ expression based on concerns about other person(s)’ negative reaction to that expression. MCC will work to ensure that expressive activities transpire without interference by the College, provided the learning environment is not substantially and materially disrupted and the expressive activities do not compromise campus safety. If persons react negatively to expressive activities occurring on campus, the College will take necessary steps to ensure campus safety while allowing the expressive activity to continue unless the College’s operations are materially and substantially disrupted.

For purposes of this policy, the term “outdoor common” refers to such areas as:
• Lawns, sidewalks, benches, and other outdoor areas that are not otherwise reserved.

For purposes of this policy, the peaceful distribution of informational materials in the outdoor common areas does not, without more, represent a substantial or material disruption to the learning environment at the College.

Expressive activities, as defined by this policy, are allowed on campus during the periods when college facilities are open to the general public.

No expressive activity at MCC shall be permitted to:

  • Violate or infringe upon the rights of others;

  • Falsely defame an individual;

  • Constitute a genuine threat or harassment;

  • Invade privacy or confidentiality interests;

  • Block access to campus buildings;

  • Impede entry or exit to the College or any College property, pedestrian pathway, parking lot, building, facility, or event;

  • Obstruct vehicle or pedestrian traffic;

  • Include the use of audio amplification devices, unless specifically authorized by the College;

  • Include the use of fire or pyrotechnics, unless specifically authorized by the College;

  • Affix materials to College buildings, equipment, fences, trees, or property unless specifically authorized by the College.

MCC does not assume any obligation or responsibility for the content of expressive activities or materials distributed. People engaging in expressive activities assume responsibility for damages to College property, for the cleanup of materials immediately following the conclusion of expressive activities, and for remaining in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.