Freedom of Expression

Olympic College students have the right to free expression on campus, within the guidelines of the law and student conduct code, including the Freedom of expression guidelines. Some additional thoughts:

• As an educational institution, we strive to give our students the intellectual tools to shed light upon difficult, complicated, and messy problems, often involving highly charged, emotional issues, while learning to conduct the debate or discussion with civility and the utmost respect for others’ right to air their points of view.

• The right to free speech and expression is broad and allows for speech that might be offensive to many, like disrespectful and even sexist or racist speech.  Yet, a college should, and must, be a place where any idea, even if offensive or outrageous to some, can be aired, discussed, examined, and debated. That is a cornerstone of our democratic system.

• We will not always agree, but we must all take responsibility for engaging with each other respectfully, for truly listening to each other and for keeping our minds open to new ideas. That, after all, is why we’re all here: to learn with and from each other. 

Religious activity in outdoor public forum areas that does not disrupt college operations, safety, or student learning, is permitted. 

The Washington state Constitution prohibits use of public money for “religious worship, exercise, or instruction”, and the prohibition applies to indirect as well as direct use of such funds.

Olympic College facilities may be made available for religious activity including worship, in accordance with the Use of Facilities policy, as long as the group is charged a rate consistent with its status (student organization, off-campus, etc.). Such use may be reviewed and limited if such activity is determined to be dominating the facility (excluding others).