Free Speech Guide for Students

These are activities where students can organize and convey a message. Some examples include signs and banners that are constructed of soft material; distribution of literature; silent or symbolic protest including wearing of significant clothing, gesturing, displaying a sign, or otherwise protesting noiselessly; rallies in designated public spaces such as Red Square; or picket lines. The Student Activities Office is a source for additional information and advice. When students engage in such protected activity, representatives of the college will engage with participating students to listen, discuss or respond to the issues raised.

The law is very clear. Public colleges like Evergreen may not regulate speech or assembly based on the content of the speech. This protection means that members of the Evergreen community can engage in expressive activity on a variety of subjects, including current events or critique of the college. Expression that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, incites imminent violence, unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, falsely defames a specific individual, drowns out others engaging in protected speech, or that disrupts college operations and activities is not protected by the First Amendment.

Determining the location, timevand duration of your activity is important. With these details in mind, attendees can plan for their basic needs. If you would like your group to stay in a specific location, for example the designated public forum of Red Square, make that clear to attendees. The Student Activities Office can help you identify and reserve a wide range of spaces. Free expression can be exercised in appropriate open and designated public forums. Remember that offices and interiors of buildings are regulated spaces and are not considered public forums for free expression activities and not all locations on Evergreen's campuses are open for expressive activities. Some locations will not be open depending on the time (e.g. speech cannot be used to disrupt other activities and events such as classes that are in session).

The First Amendment allows speech that you may find extreme or hateful. It’s not unusual for people to want to silence others’ speech and eliminate that which is unwelcome, disagreeable or even deeply offensive. However, it is the protection of unpopular expression that lies at the core of the First Amendment, which makes it unlawful to prohibit speech based on content. Open and vigorous contesting of ideas that people oppose is the protected response. Students who want to respond to hateful rhetoric have options. Students can counter speech with speech, hold alternative events or engage in non-violent protest. In the face of abhorrent speech, honoring free expression amplifies Evergreen’s values of tolerance in the face of intolerance, inclusion and social justice.

All members of our learning community are invited to foster brave spaces where trust can be earned and the shared belief that we can take the risks to share our views and explore big and complex questions openly and authentically. We encourage everyone to work together to foster brave spaces where everyone can share their opinions and experiences. These brave spaces require vulnerability, authenticity and listening even in the midst of discord. We value a learning community where all members share in the responsibility for maintaining a climate of mutual respect.

Widely advertised public events may draw opposition activity or counter-protests. Organizers and attendees should have a plan for how to engage, or not to engage, with others. For example, if you want everyone in attendance to refrain from engaging with counter-protesters, make sure all are aware of that strategy. Let attendees know to refrain from using the heckler’s veto – silencing an individual or group by drowning out their speech – since such action is not protected speech.

Civil disobedience is the refusal to adhere to certain laws or policies as a non-violent form of political protest. Refusing to comply with state laws and Evergreen’s policies during a free speech activity is an act of civil disobedience. As Henry David Thoreau said “Unjust laws exist; shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them, and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once?" These acts are not protected by the First Amendment.

If violations of policy or state law occur at free speech activities, you should expect a response from Evergreen staff or Police Services. Examples of policy or law violations, include interfering with college operations or activities; interrupting college events and meetings; blocking persons, vehicles, sidewalks, entrances and exits; and interference with life and safety personnel, such as ambulance, police, or fire first responders.

The college’s responses will typically include directing individuals or groups to disperse, emergency suspension and/or charging students for violations of the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities(PDF), or citation/arrest for illegal activities/actions. If a health or public safety emergency such as a physical assault, threat of physical harm or damage to property is reported or observed, Police Services or local mutual aid law enforcement will be called immediately if necessary.

State Laws (PDF) and Evergreen’s policies, including the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (PDF), apply at free expression events. Evergreen has a responsibility to the citizens of the state of Washington, to its students, and to its employees to conduct regularly scheduled classes and other business, even when events occur on campus.

Expressive activity organizers or attendees sometimes engage in activities that violate Washington state laws or Evergreen’s policies. Often this is unintended and as a result of not being fully aware of laws and policies. Organizers are encouraged to be familiar with these laws and policies, as lack of awareness does not preclude further college action.