Freedom of Expression

Introduction

West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) recognizes and upholds First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and the right to assemble peaceably. Demonstrations and assemblies can be valid expression for dissenting opinions provided they do not disrupt academic and administrative functions of the College.

The opinions expressed by organizations, groups, or individuals using West Georgia Technical College facilities do not necessarily reflect the position of West Georgia Technical College.

West Georgia Technical College affirms its commitment to the freedom of speech, assembly and expression even though the language or ideas of those seeking a venue for free expression may contradict College ideals or the personal views of the College employees and students. WGTC expects members of the faculty, staff, student body and community to refrain from and discourage behaviors that threaten the rights, freedoms and the respect every individual deserves. WGTC maintains a position of neutrality as to the content of expression and any written materials distributed on campus under this procedure.

This procedure applies to visitors to campus, not West Georgia Technical College faculty, staff, students or student organizations. This procedure shall apply to all non-commercial speech on the West Georgia Technical College campus and other WGTC facilities.

Scope

Any visiting person or group who desires to use the designated campus area for an assembly or expression event must submit a completed Freedom of Expression Request Form at least five (5) business days in advance of the event. Request forms are available electronically. The applicant must submit an agenda including the exact names of the speakers for the assembly. The applicant will be notified within two (2) business days of receiving the request if the request is approved or denied. Notifications will also be forwarded to the College President, the Campus Police Department, the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students so that appropriate Safety and Security provisions can be arranged. If denied, the applicant may appeal to the President of the College within five (5) business days to review the decision. The President’s decision is final.

Upon approval of a request, applicants must agree to the following guidelines and provisions:

The activities may be conducted on Monday through Thursday from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in a designated Free Expression Area only.
- Consecutive day reservations are not permitted.
- No approvals will be granted for the first full week of classes and Final Exam Week of each semester.
Reasonable limitations may be placed on the time, manner, and place of the event in order to serve the interests of health and safety, prevent disruption of the educational process, and protect against threats to the rights of others.
Activities must not obstruct, or aggressively confront, vehicular, pedestrian, or other traffic.
Use of sound amplifiers or unreasonable noise on the College campus is prohibited if it disrupts College activities.
- Failure to promptly comply with WGTC directives to reduce sound levels may result in the immediate cancellation of the reservation and/or event.
There must be no disruption to classroom/lab instruction.
There must be no obstruction of entrances or exits to the buildings.
There must be no interference with educational activities inside or outside the buildings.
There must be no interference with scheduled College ceremonies, events or activities.
Malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction of property owned or operated by the College or property belonging to students, student organizations, faculty, staff or visitors of the College is prohibited.Persons or organizations causing such damage may be held financially responsible.
Scatter marketing (throwing multiple copies of documents on the ground for them to be seen and/or picked up) and other forms of marketing that violate O.C.G.A 16-7-43 and O.C.G.A 16-7-58 or any Carroll County, Troup County, Haralson County, Heard County, Douglas County, Meriwether County or Coweta County anti-litter and other applicable ordinances are prohibited.
- The individuals or groups are required to remove signs, placards, litter, and other materials when the approved activity period ends.
Compliance with the West Georgia Technical College student conduct regulations (see WGTC Catalog & Handbook), The Technical College System of Georgia State Board Policies and TCSG & WGTC Procedures Manual, state laws of Georgia, and federal laws is required.
Public speech that is likely to incite or produce imminent lawless action or under the current legal standards is either defamatory or obscene is prohibited.

Free Expression Areas:

Carroll Campus – In the Tech and Trade parking area
Coweta Campus – Parking lot, Building B
Douglas Campus – Between Building B and D in the parking area
Franklin Site – in the parking lot
Greenville Site – in the parking lot
LaGrange Campus – in the main parking lot
Murphy Campus – in the back-parking lot behind the main classroom building

Procedure:

Fill out the Freedom of Expression Request Form.
1. Forms are available online here: https://wgtcstulife.wufoo.com/forms/zmm0jrt03tuyu6/
Submit a completed Freedom of Expression Request Form at least five (5) business days in advance of the event electronically.
If approved, the VPSA or designee will notify the applicant in writing by email within two (2) business days of receipt of the request.
1. The applicants must agree in writing to the guidelines and provisions stated above in the Scope.
2. The VPSA or designee will also notify the WGTC Administration and Campus Police Department of the approved request immediately so that appropriate precautions can be arranged.
If denied, the VPSA or designee will notify the applicant in writing by email within two (2) business days of receipt of the request.
1. The applicant may appeal the denial in writing to the President of West Georgia Technical College at President@westgatech.edu within five (5) business days of receipt of the denial.
2. The WGTC President will notify the applicant of his/her final decision in writing by email.
  1. The President’s decision is final.

Up one level

Student Code of Conduct