Skip to main content
Close
A-Z
Quick Links

Free Expression at SLCC

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is dedicated to upholding the principles of freedom of expression and assembly, as outlined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 15 of the Utah Constitution. SLCC encourages a vibrant exchange of ideas and strives to create an environment where all members of our college community can come together, connect, and freely express themselves.

As a public institution, SLCC's campuses include open spaces where members of the public are welcome to exercise their rights of expression and assembly. These public spaces encompass outdoor areas across our campuses, such as communal spaces like the Realm, East and West Patios of the Student Center at the Taylorsville-Redwood campus or the Peace and Justice Garden located at the South City Campus.

Free Expression Event Request Form

Protected and Unprotected Speech and Expression

It is important to recognize that not all forms of expression or assembly are protected by the First Amendment. The following categories of expression or assembly are NOT PROTECTED by law and are not allowed on SLCC's campuses or within its programs and activities.

  • Obscenity: This refers to sexually explicit content that is patently offensive and lacks serious merit.
  • Defamation: Intentionally false statements that harm an individual's reputation.
  • Incitement: Expression meant to incite imminent lawless action.
  • True Threat: A statement indicating a serious intent to commit violence against a specific person or group.
  • Disruptive Behavior: Expression or assembly causing a significant disruption to college functions.

Free Expression Activities Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions

Members of the college community and visitors have the right to assemble and engage in protected speech without censorship on SLCC's campus. However, SLCC reserves the right to impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activities. These restrictions must be (1) neutral in viewpoint and content, (2) no more extensive than necessary, and (3) serve a significant college interest, such as crime prevention, public safety, and maintaining an educational atmosphere.

  • Outdoor Areas
    • Outdoor areas of SLCC's campuses are generally considered "traditional public forums" for lawful expressive activities. Access is subject to applicable time, place, and manner restrictions, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Indoor Areas
    • Indoor areas on campus are "limited public forums," allowing SLCC to exert a higher level of control. Access is subject to building-specific rules, including scheduling and designations. Individuals must coordinate with relevant administrators before engaging in expressive activities indoors, and rental fees may apply.
  • Demonstrations
    • Those planning to demonstrate on SLCC campuses are encouraged to submit a written request at least 24 hours in advance to the Dean of Students’ office, although this is not required. This request should specify the preferred time, place, and manner of the activity.

Public Messages

  • Signage
    • Signs, posters, or banners may only be posted in designated areas, and must be approved according to the Advertising and Posting Policy. Non-compliant signage will be removed.
  • Invited Speakers
    • Visiting speakers have the right to protected speech, and disruptions are not permitted. Views presented by speakers do not necessarily represent SLCC's institutional views.