Statement on Free Speech and Expression
Riverland Community College is committed to fostering a campus environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. The college upholds the principles of free speech and expression as fundamental to Riverland’s mission, vision, values and the democratic society.
As a public institution, we support the right of all members of our community, including students, faculty, and staff, to express their views and engage in open dialogue on diverse topics. This commitment is balanced with the responsibility to ensure that such expressions do not disrupt the educational process or infringe upon the rights of others.
We encourage respectful and constructive discourse, understanding that freedom of expression comes with the responsibility to respect differing viewpoints and the dignity of all individuals. Riverland Community College does not tolerate hate speech, harassment, or any form of discrimination, and will take necessary actions to address behaviors that undermine the safety and inclusivity of our community.
While Riverland believes that constitutional protections for speech and expression are of critical importance, these protections are not unlimited. The college maintains a policy and a procedure permitting it to regulate the time, place and manner of speech and expression to ensure that the College can carry on its ordinary activities. In upholding these values, Riverland Community College strives to create a supportive environment where all voices can be heard, and the principles of academic freedom and free expression are protected and celebrated.