KCC Expressive Activity and Posting Policy

603.00 Use of Campus Facilities (Board Policy 2025)

603.01 Meetings

As a public service, Kankakee Community College may permit not-for-profit and for-profit community organizations to utilize space on campus. Community organizations will not be permitted to use campus facilities during periods when the campus is closed or when the space is required for instructional purposes or college-sponsored activities. An exception may be made when a meeting or event is co-sponsored by the college. To qualify for co-sponsorship, an activity must provide a direct or indirect benefit to the college, as determined by the administration.

Organizations must obtain institutional approval to use college facilities. Upon approval, the Business Office will finalize a rental agreement. Not-for-profit organizations may use the facilities twice a year at no cost; a fee may be charged for additional use. For-profit organizations may be charged a facility use fee as determined by the administration.

603.02 Freedom of Speech, Expression, and Assembly Activities (Board Policy 2025)

Kankakee Community College is dedicated to providing equal opportunity and an environment free from discrimination and harassment. The KCC Board of Trustees upholds the constitutional right to free speech and peaceful assembly. As a public institution of higher education, KCC is committed to fostering an environment that promotes free expression, open inquiry, dialogue, deliberation, and debate—even when such expression may conflict with the beliefs or values of others.

In exercising these freedoms, all members of the college community must respect the rights of others and the college’s responsibility to maintain safety, order, and the continuity of educational operations. The KCC Board of Trustees delegates to the College President or designee the authority to administer all policies and procedures governing freedom of expression, speech, and assembly. The President or designee is responsible for developing, enforcing, and maintaining related procedures, including:

1. Applying restrictions in a content-neutral manner, consistent with federal and state laws and codes.
2. Individuals wanting to assemble may do so only in designated campus areas:
   • Main Campus — flagpole, College Center, VIP parking area, or gymnasium
   • North Extension Center — north-side parking row
   • South Extension Center — designated parking lot space
   • MITC — east lawn in front of building

   Areas on campus, such as administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, study rooms, restrooms, counseling and advising offices, and other areas designated for education, operational or administrative activities are considered private areas and not available for this purpose.

3. Determining reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.
4. Identifying conduct that constitutes grounds for disciplinary and/or criminal action.
5. Outlining responsibilities of individuals or groups engaging in expressive activities.
6. Establishing notification, facility use fees, and reservation procedures, if applicable.
7. Regulating activities to ensure the safety and welfare of the college community, including security-associated costs.

Access to public facilities is limited to individuals engaging in lawful, authorized activities consistent with the facility’s function. The Board may impose reasonable restrictions on individuals whose presence poses a risk to safety, disrupts operations, or conflicts with intended use.

Individuals wishing to reserve a Free Speech Area must comply with procedures established by the Office of Student Life and Development:

1. Applications should be submitted at least five (5) business days before the activity. Requests are processed in the order received.
2. Requests for tables or chairs must allow sufficient time for the Physical Plant Department to accommodate the setup.
3. Applications must describe the purpose of the activity, the number of tables/chairs needed, any signs or posters to be used, and materials to be distributed.
4. Applicants must estimate the expected number of participants to assist in determining appropriate space.
5. For large gatherings, the Office of Student Life may require a meeting with Campus Police to address safety considerations.

603.03 Campus Expression

Kankakee Community College recognizes that students, under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, have the right to express their opinions and to lawfully demonstrate, parade, and otherwise express their views in accordance with college rules and procedures.

Active student clubs may invite guest speakers of their choosing with approval from the Coordinator of Student Life. Speakers must provide an educational learning experience for students. Student clubs are responsible for securing funding and coordinating with the Office of Student Life to schedule an appropriate date and venue.

Students wishing to assemble in favor of or against a cause may do so only in designated “Free Speech Zone” areas on campus. Designated areas are listed in the Permit to Assemble and Non- Profit, Non-Commercial, Community, or Political Organizations Application.

Normal presentation hours in the Free Speech Zone are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Permit to Assemble must be filed with the Office of Student Life at least one week in advance. The permit must be approved by the Coordinator of Student Life, the Director of Financial Aid and Student Engagement, the Director of Facilities, the Chief of Campus Police, and the Vice President of "Student Affairs. The Coordinator of Student Life will notify the requesting organization of the decision within one week of submission.

KCC reserves the right to:

• Regulate the time, place, and manner of demonstrations to ensure safety, protect property, and maintain the continuity of the educational process.
• Request photo identification from participants.
• Discontinue any assembly that disrupts college operations or violates the law.

Students may not post, tape, or place signs or objects that obstruct vision, signage, or walkways, or that may damage college property without permission.

The college will not tolerate demonstrations—by students or non-students—that interfere with normal operations or impede access to college buildings or walkways.

If demonstrations become unlawful or cause damage or injury, the college will contact law enforcement and cooperate fully with authorities and in the prosecution of offenders. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student who violates college rules or regulations, regardless of criminal prosecution outcomes.

If feasible, Campus Security will first inform demonstrators of any violations and explain how they may continue lawfully. Continued disruption may result in police intervention.

Students may also express views through posting approved fliers on campus. Materials must be approved by the Office of Student Life and displayed in designated areas. Marketing materials should not be handed directly to students but instead made available in designated areas. These rights do not extend to individuals who are not currently enrolled.

Note: All promotional materials must be approved by the Office of Student Life, which is responsible for posting and removing all approved materials.

Free Speech Disclaimer

All content within the “Free Speech Zone” is for informational and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed are those of the individual or organization and do not represent the views of Kankakee Community College. The Office of Student Life will provide a “Free Speech Disclaimer” sign that must be displayed during the event.

Outside Organizations Requesting to Conduct Student Outreach or Use College Facilities/Free Speech

Student Outreach
Non-profit, non-commercial community and political organizations may schedule a time to staff a table in the designated Free Speech Area in the College Center to distribute approved materials and conduct student outreach. This requires completion of the Non-Profit, Non- Commercial Community, or Political Organizations. Organizations may not conduct student outreach without prior approval—it must be prearranged.

Religious Services on Campus

A student club or organization officially recognized by the Office of Student Life may hold religious services or discussions on campus if a staff or faculty advisor is present. Attendance must be open to all students.

603.04 Posting & Distribution of Materials

Kankakee Community College (KCC) provides bulletin board space for posting informational literature. All marketing or promotional materials from outside organizations—or those represented by KCC—must be reviewed and distributed by the Office of Student Life.

To qualify for distribution, materials must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Not-for-profit promotion
2. Educational in nature
3. Student discounts for educational items
4. Sponsored by a student or student organization
5. Will not cause a nuisance or contribute to littering
6. Non-offensive and not disruptive to the learning environment
7. Consistent with the vision, mission, and core values of Kankakee Community College

*Items may not be posted for more than three months.*

Materials that fall into an approved category may be distributed in coordination with the Office of Student Life, provided that the content is not deemed offensive or potentially disruptive to the learning environment. The Office of Student Life reserves the right to deny the distribution or posting of any materials that contradict the vision, mission, or core values of Kankakee Community College.

Approved materials from outside organizations may be placed in the College Center for distribution and/or posted on bulletin boards. Organizations or individuals may provide fliers or posters to the Office of Student Life for posting around campus. Materials soliciting a religious organization, charitable cause, fundraising event, or community event that is free and open to the public may be distributed in coordination with the Office of Student Life.

At times, religious organizations such as Jehovah’s Witnesses or Christian groups may request permission to distribute pamphlets or Bibles. If approved, KCC allows these materials to be placed on one of the Free Speech Tables (8-foot tables against the windows) in the College Center.

Politicking On Campus

Information about specific political candidates cannot be disseminated on campus. Candidates may not hand out or post campaign materials. However, information regarding election dates, polling places, and a list of all candidates may be distributed on campus.