At MiraCosta College, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that supports the rights of students, employees, and community members to engage in free speech and expression. This commitment is grounded in our adherence to federal, state, and local laws and the policies and procedures established by the MiraCosta Community College District.
Governing Principles and Policies
MiraCosta College upholds the principles of free speech through policies that ensure expression is respected while maintaining a safe and orderly campus environment. The following governing documents outline our approach to free speech:
- Board Policy 3900: Speech - Time, Place, and Manner: This policy sets the framework for when, where, and how speech and expressive activities may occur on campus, ensuring they do not interfere with the educational mission of the college.
- Administrative Procedure 3900: Speech - Time, Place, and Manner: These procedures provide detailed guidelines on implementing Board Policy 3900, including specific protocols for organizing and conducting speech-related activities on campus.
Free Speech Activities (Non-Commercial)
MiraCosta College welcomes free speech activities, including members of the public, to engage in free expression on our campuses. The Offices of Student Affairs and Student Life & Leadership are here to support and provide guidance regarding free speech and expression to ensure that speech activities are conducted in accordance with college policies and applicable laws. If there are questions, please contact the following:
Oceanside Campus: Nick Mortaloni (nmortaloni@miracosta.edu) and Terrence Shaw (tshaw@miracosta.edu)
San Elijo Campus: Colleen Maeder (cmaeder@miracosta.edu)
Community Learning Center: Mitra De Souza (mdesouza@miracosta.edu)
Commercial Speech Activities
Additional guidelines apply to individuals or groups interested in conducting commercial activities or speeches on campus, such as soliciting or distributing commercial literature. Please visit our Facilities website for more information on obtaining the necessary permissions and ensuring compliance with campus regulations.
Posting and Distribution of Literature
The college has designated bulletin boards across campus for the posting of materials by students, employees, and members of the public. To maintain an organized and respectful environment, the following guidelines apply:
- All posted materials must clearly indicate the author or sponsoring agency.
- Student Life & Leadership will provide a stamp approving materials for MiraCosta-sponsored events and information to be posted for 10 days.
- All non-MiraCosta-sponsored information will be removed from bulletin boards after three days.
- MiraCosta College reserves the right to designate part of each public posting area specifically for promoting campus-related activities.
For further details on these policies or to seek assistance with free speech activities, please contact the Offices of Student Affairs and/or Student Life and Leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help clarify common concerns and questions related to free speech on campus, we have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
The district has various support resources for students:
- If students would benefit from support, they can complete a to connect to on and off-campus resources.
- The Social Justice and Equity Center (OC1026) will be open for students who wish to connect with other students and explore resources and opportunities to express themselves.
- Mental Health Counseling at 大象视频 College Health Services is free for students who have paid the health fee during normal business hours. Sessions are available in person at the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses or via Zoom or phone. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 760.795.6675 or complete the online form available.
MiraCosta employees and their dependents are eligible to receive confidential services to help with various personal challenges. The Employee Assistance Services for Education (EASE) provides free, short-term counseling over the phone or by appointment. To learn more, please contact the EASE Program at 1.888.736.7009. More about EASE.
Employees with district-sponsored benefits may also have access to counseling services through their healthcare providers. More information is available.
Taking designated property (e.g. promotional materials, posters, etc.) without consent or damaging property (e.g. ripping, tearing, etc.) is considered a violation of the Standards of Student Conduct. Furthermore, individuals impacted by this could pursue legal action against those who engaged in this behavior. If you believe your property was violated, you should immediately report the incident to the Office of Student Life and Leadership and/or Student Affairs for review and appropriate action. If pursuing legal action, you should immediately report the incident to College Police at 760.795.6640.
Reporting and Addressing Concerns
MiraCosta College is committed to ensuring that members of the community can exercise their free speech rights. If you have concerns about free speech activities or believe your rights have been violated, here鈥檚 what you can do:
- Reporting Mechanisms
You can report any concerns or violations related to free speech by submitting a , which will route to the Offices of Student Affairs and Student Life & Leadership. - Conflict Resolution
Upon receiving a report, the Student Affairs team will conduct an investigation to address the concern. The resolution process may involve mediation, consultation, or other appropriate actions to resolve disputes and uphold the principles of free speech.
District Policies and Respect for Others
MiraCosta College supports free speech and we also emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.
- MiraCosta College Mission, Vision, Commitment, Institutional Values & Goals
- Board Policy 3400: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility
- Board Policy 3410: Nondiscrimination
- Administrative Procedure 3430: Prohibition of Harassment
- Administrative Procedure 5500: Standards of Student Conduct
Event Planning and Coordination
If you are planning an event that involves free speech activities, here鈥檚 how we can help:
- Event Planning Resources
The Office of Student Life and Leadership offers resources to assist students with event planning, including guidelines for reserving space, arranging logistics, and ensuring compliance with college policies. - Contact Information
For assistance with event planning, please contact the Office of Student Life and Leadership. We are here to help you navigate the process and ensure a successful event. - Other Important Considerations
To ensure your free speech activity follows protocols of the Administrative Procedure 3900: Speech - Time, Place, and Manner- Make sure your setup does not impede the walkway/pathway of individuals passing by.
- Do not force individuals passing by to take any promotional materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, etc.).
- If using amplification (e.g. megaphone) while chanting and speaking, make sure it does not disturb nearby classrooms or offices. Free-speech activities must not exceed a volume of sixty-five decibels at a distance of fifty feet.
