Speakers Policy

 Harper College respects the right of all members of the academic community to explore and to discuss questions which interest them, to express opinions even if unpopular, publicly and privately. It is the policy of the College to make its facilities available for peaceful assembly, to welcome guest speakers, and to encourage the exercise of these rights free from disruption or interference.

Recognized student organizations may invite guest lecturers, panel participants, discussion leaders, or others from off campus to speak, provided such programs are registered with the Student Activities office at least one week in advance. All expenses involved in retaining the speaker shall be specifically provided for by the sponsoring organization at the time of registration. No arrangements with guest speakers are to be made until the registration has been completed. Individual students may request guest speakers through recognized campus organizations under the above procedures.

Limitations on speakers are warranted only when the Vice President of Student Affairs office deems their appearance or content of their speech represents a real threat toward maintaining campus order (e.g., it is obscene, defamatory, or intent on inflicting emotional distress, or it invites lawlessness or contains “fighting words”). In such cases, an ad hoc speakers committee composed of three faculty members appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, three students chosen by the Student Senate, subject to approval of the Vice President of Student Affairs, shall determine whether or not the speaker will appear. The committee’s decisions may be appealed by either the sponsoring organization or the Vice President of Student Affairs office, and subject to the approval of the College President and Board of Trustees. Should the speaker represent a real threat toward maintaining campus order after being contracted, the Vice President of Student Affairs office or the sponsoring organization with the approval of the Vice President of Student Affairs office may cancel the contract.

In the event the speaker or issues are not deemed a real threat toward maintaining campus order but are deemed controversial or extreme by the Vice President of Student Affairs office, the sponsoring organization shall obtain a member of the faculty to chair the program, and shall provide time during the program for the audience to question the speaker.