Freedom of Expression & Use of College Facilities

In accordance with the U.S. First Amendment, PJC allows private, non-disruptive prayer, provides equal access to facilities for religious groups, and accommodates absences for religious holy days without penalty.

In response to Executive Order GA-44 issued by Governor Greg Abbott, Paris Junior College reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and accessible campus environment for students, faculty, and staff. PJC condemns all forms of antisemitism, which is defined by the State of Texas in Section 448.001 of the Texas Government code.

“Antisemitism” means a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. The term includes rhetorical and physical acts of antisemitism directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals or their property or toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. Examples of antisemitism are included with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s “Working Definition of Antisemitism” adopted on May 26, 2016.

PJC upholds the values of respect, tolerance, and academic freedom. As directed by the Executive Order, our institution has established these guidelines to address the rise in antisemitic speech and actions on university campuses. PJC enforces this policy diligently to ensure that all students feel secure in expressing their views while upholding the standards of respectful discourse. Acts of antisemitism can and will lead to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

"Expressive activities" means any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by Section 8, Article I, Texas Constitution, and includes assemblies, protests, speeches, the distribution of written material, the carrying of signs, and the circulation of petitions.

The term does not include:

(A) commercial speech;

(B) defamation;

(C) unlawful harassment;

(D) incitement to imminent unlawful activity;

(E) obscenity; or

(F) threats to engage in unlawful activity.

Guidance Regarding Use of College Facilities & Freedom of Expression

The facilities and grounds of the College District shall be made available to students or registered student organizations [see Institutional Policy FKC] when such use does not conflict with use by, or any of the policies and procedures of, the College District. The requesting students or student organization shall pay all expenses incurred by their use of facilities in accordance with a fee schedule developed by the Board.

To request permission to meet or host a speaker in College District facilities, interested students or registered student organizations shall file a written request with the Director of Student Life in accordance with administrative procedures.

The students or the registered student organization making the request shall indicate that they have read and understand the policies and rules governing use of College District facilities and that they will abide by those rules.

Members of the college community (including students, student organizations, employees, employee organizations, or members of the community ) may invite speakers to speak on campus with the following reasonable restrictions, adopted under Texas SB 2972:

The college district prohibits:

  1. use of a device to amplify sound while engaging in expressive activities on campus during class hours that:
    1. intimidate others;
    2. interfere with campus operations; or
    3. interfere with an institution’s employee’s or peace officer’s lawful performance of a duty;
  2. engaging in expressive activities during the last two weeks of a semester or term:
    1. in the common outdoor areas of the institution’s campus in a manner that materially and substantially disrupts the functioning of the institution;
    2. by inviting speakers to speak on campus:
    3. by using a device to amplify sound; or
    4. by using drums or other percussive instruments;
  3. camping or erecting tents or other living accommodations on campus;
  4. wearing a disguise or other means of concealing a person’s identity while engaging in expressive activities on campus with the intent to:
    1. obstruct the enforcement of the institution’s rules or the law by avoiding identification;
    2. intimidate others; or
    3. interfere with the institution’s employee’s or peace officer’s lawful performance of a duty;
  5. lowering the institution’s United States or Texas flag with the intent to raise the flag of another nation or a flag representing an organization or group of people; and
  6. engaging in expressive activities on campus between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.;

Common outdoor areas are traditional public forums and are not subject to the approval procedures. Students and student organizations may engage in expressive activities in common outdoor areas, unless:

  • The person’s conduct is unlawful;
  • The use would constitute an immediate and actual danger to the peace or security of the College District that available law enforcement officials could not control with reasonable efforts;
  • The use would materially or substantially disrupt or disturb the regular academic program; or
  • The use would result in damage to or defacement of property.

All persons and organizations distributing materials on campus or using College District facilities shall provide identification when requested to do so by a College District representative. Failure to comply with this policy and associated procedures will result in appropriate administrative action, including but not limited to, the suspension of the individual’s or organization’s use of College facilities and the confiscation of non-conforming materials.

This information is also located in PJC's Course Catalog & Student Handbook.