Demonstration and Protest Policy

PURPOSE

The philosophy of Hudson County Community College (“College”) is to encourage freedom in expressing ideas in a scholarly and law-abiding manner. The Demonstration and Protest Policy ensures a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the College community. This policy outlines the expectations for, and obligations of, anyone wishing to hold a protest or other public demonstration on property owned or controlled by the College.

POLICY

The intention to hold a demonstration and the names of all its participants must be filed with the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment at least 72 hours before the event. No public demonstration shall occur on College property without prior authorization. The statement of intention must include the date, time, location, and purpose, an approximate number of people expected to participate, the type of activity involved (e.g., picketing, distributing leaflets, etc.), and the names of at least three persons responsible for maintaining a proper order. The College will use content-neutral criteria and safety considerations to confirm registration, generally within one business day. The College campus is not a public forum, and outside parties are not permitted to organize demonstrations on campus.

The College is committed to academic freedom and civil discourse. A public demonstration may be permitted so long as it is peaceful, non-obstructive, and respectful of other students, faculty, employees and College guests. Therefore, no action may endanger the safety or security of the College community, infringe upon the rights of members of the community, obstruct access to College facilities or spaces, damage property, disrupt normal College operations, or otherwise violate applicable laws or College policies.

In general, a protest or other public demonstration inside College buildings would be disruptive to the occupants of the building and thus will not be permitted.

The Culinary Plaza Park will be available to students, faculty, staff, and College-recognized student groups for approved demonstrations during its operating hours, dawn to dusk on Mondays through Fridays when classes are in session (excluding exam periods and College holidays). Any persons engaging in disruptive or disorderly conduct, or otherwise violating this Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, or any other College policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate, interim suspension pending a hearing, and/or expulsion from the College, and/or criminal charges.

Participation in a protest or other public demonstration is restricted to members of the College community. Individuals who are not members of the College community will be instructed to leave campus and are subject to criminal charges.

The Board delegates to the President the responsibility to develop, implement, and enforce the Student Demonstration Policy.

Approved: June 2024
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Category: Student Affairs
Responsible Office(s): Student Affairs
Scheduled for Review: June 2027

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