Frequently Asked Questions and Resources

RCC Campus Demonstrations Checklist

Check Preparation

  • Lean into our college values.
  • Ensure policies for students and employees are clearly stated and located on website.
  • Visible signage on campus
  • Updated FAQs on website
  • Pre-team meetings for coordination and planning

CheckCommunications

  • Statement to include links to policy and procedural handbooks for students and employees.
    • I.e. Free Speech, First Amendment, Human Resources Handbooks, and Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Send out to students, employees and community.
  • Signage
  • Create a FAQ page.

CheckSafety

  • Prepare with the Campus police department and safety departments.
  • State Police on standby from protest and demonstration.
  • Be available for crowd control and directing traffic.
  • Administration and employees available on campus to assist with directions.

CheckPost Meeting

  • Debrief and reflect on lessons learned and next steps.

FAQ- Addressing Demonstrations on Campus

Activism-fueled demonstrations by campus community members at colleges and universities are a perennial risk. Use the following tips to help your institution respect demonstrators’ rights of expression while safeguarding the community and protecting facilities and property.

Protestors have the right to peacefully assemble and express their opinions on campus, ensuring they do not disrupt college operations or infringe upon others' rights.

Yes, both students and employees have the right to organize and participate in protests, following board policies on time, place, and manner of protests.

Colleges may impose restrictions to ensure safety, such as guidelines on noise levels and protest locations, to prevent disruption to campus life.

The college administration may intervene, relocating protestors, issuing warnings, or taking disciplinary action as necessary to maintain order and safety.

  • Recognized campus organizations, students, faculty, staff members, or members of the public may post, circulate or distribute literature in those areas designated as public forums on the campuses of the District in accordance with existing laws and regulations.Distribution of materials that are obscene, defamatory, or incite students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on community college premises, or the violation of lawful community college regulations or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the community college is prohibited.
  • Amplification is permitted in the public forum areas noted above, except for the north side of Terracina Dr. across from the Quad at Riverside City College. For the hours of permitted use of amplification, please contact the Dean of Student Services, or designee, of the appropriate campus. Amplification is not permitted during the final week of each semester. Levels of amplification must not exceed a volume of 65 decibels at a distance of 50 feet.
    • Anyone wishing to use amplification should contact the Dean of Student Services, or designee, of the  college.

Measures such as working with campus security, coordinating with law enforcement, and providing guidelines for peaceful assembly are implemented to maintain safety for all involved.

Resources