Peaceful Assembly

Spartanburg Community College supports students’ rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition within the parameters of the guidelines for peaceful assembly.

Purpose/Reason for Guidelines: 

To outline the conditions under which students may express their rights of free expression within a community of scholars and citizens who choose to respect one another’s perspective, autonomy, and safety.

Scope/Covered Persons: 

All members of the Spartanburg Community College

Guidelines for Planning a Peaceful Assembly

The purpose of this procedure is to provide direction for Spartanburg Community College students or student organizations to organize peaceful assemblies on campus. Those who are interested in planning a peaceful assembly on campus must submit a notification by completing a Peaceful Assembly form with the SCC Campus Police Department. The Chief of Police will review the application and begin the implementation process by utilizing the criteria as outlined in the guidelines for peaceful assembly. 

The event must be presented in writing, and all aspects of the activity must be detailed. Considering that there may be times when a student or student organization plans an activity that quickly responds to a current event, students or student organizations must adhere to this policy. The SCC Campus Police Department will make reasonable efforts to accelerate its review; however, such accelerated reviews will occur on a case-by-case basis in a manner that is consistent within the guidelines for peaceful assembly.

Out of concern for the general health, safety, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests, organizers should contact the Office of Student Engagement to assist with planning for the safety of those engaged in peaceful assembly and those who choose not to participate. The Dean of Students Engagement can also assist with identifying spaces for individuals and groups interested in engaging in peaceful assembly. Campus Police is required to ensure that the rights of all concerned are protected. Notification helps to ensure the safety of all participants and community members. You may contact the Office of Student Engagement for further assistance.

Whenever appropriate, the SCC Campus Police, with the assistance of the Dean of Student Engagement, will designate clearly marked areas for protests or demonstrations. 

Examples of peaceful assembly include (please note that this is not an exhaustive list):

• Demonstration: A large group of people, usually gathering for a political or social cause. It usually includes a group march, ending with a rally or a speaker. A demonstration is similar to a protest in that they both can use the same or similar methods to achieve goals. However, demonstrations tend to be more abrasive and spontaneous, whereas protests tend to be more organized.

• March: A walk by a group of people to a place in order to express an objection with any event, situation, or policy.

• Protest: A protest is a way to express objections with any event, situation, or policy. These objections can be manifested either by actions or by words.

• Vigil: In observance of commemorative activity or event meant to demonstrate unity around a particular issue or concern, and/or to promote peace and prevent violence.

Procedure for Planning a Peaceful Assembly

Prior to sponsoring a peaceful assembly, a group or organization must submit in writing a notification at least 48 hours in advance of any activity to the SCC Campus Police. The SCC Campus Police Department may require further notice based on the scale of the event.

Considering that there may be times when a student or student organization plans an activity that quickly responds to a current event, students or student organizations must adhere to the guidelines for peaceful assembly. The SCC Campus Police Department will make reasonable efforts to accelerate its review; however, such accelerated reviews will occur on a case-by-case basis in a manner that is consistent within the guidelines for peaceful assembly.

The notification form should include the location on campus where the event will be held, the proposed date and time, the event’s purpose, and the estimated number of participants. Based on the scope of the assembly, other security requirements may be required by the SCC Campus Police Department after reviewing the notification. If the proposed event is a march, the supporting group must attach a route the participants plan to take on campus.

The Chief of Police or designee will review the notification within one working day of its submission and meet with the individual(s) prior to the peaceful assembly. The meeting will cover logistics, including safety and security issues, the use of materials for the assembly, and the potential for disruption to the College. Upon notification of a proposed activity, the Chief of Police will inform the V.P. of Strategic Innovation. The V.P. of Strategic Innovation will communicate approved activities in writing (with a clear description of the event) to the Office of the President, Provost, and the President’s Cabinet.

Sponsoring organizations and their representatives are responsible for ensuring that there will be no disruption of College activities, business or events, programs or services. This includes, but is not limited to:

• The free passage of pedestrian and vehicular traffic around campus at all points.
• No persons or group shall block the entrances or exits to any building.
• Use of amplified sound which will not disrupt College business.
• Signs and posters are permitted; sticks, poles, or any object attached to signs or posters that can be used as a weapon are strictly prohibited.
• Activities that might disrupt the campus environment will not be allowed or encouraged.
• Respect for and adherence to all policies and procedures regulating on-campus events.
• In the event the demonstration or march moves outside of the confines of campus, the supporting organizations will be responsible for obtaining all permits and notifying law enforcement authorities responsible for that jurisdiction.
• Any official statement or request from the media will be handled by the Office of Marketing.

Compliance with School Officials

Everyone is expected to comply with the directions of College officials who are acting in accordance with the performance of their duties. Failure to do so is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and is subject to sanctions as outlined in the Student Handbook. If a demonstration or activity interferes with normal College activities and/or functions, participants will be asked to disperse. Failure to comply will result in the appropriate sanctions. Other activities prohibited included but not limited to:

1. Excessive noise, which interferes with classes, College offices, community neighbors, or other campus and community activities is prohibited.
2. Unauthorized entry into or occupation of a private work area;
3. Conduct that restricts or prevents faculty or staff members or student employees from performing their duties, including interruption of meetings, classes, or events;
4. Failure to maintain clear passage into or out of any College building or passageway, and/or work space;
5. Failure to disperse when a building, office, or campus space is closed;
6. Other conduct that disrupts the normal operations of the College;
7. Vandalism includes graffiti or destruction of college property, which could also lead to criminal charges.

An event held without adhering to this peaceful assembly process could result in appropriate sanctions as outlined by the Student Code of Conduct. It is important to note that the organizer of the peaceful assembly is equally responsible for the safety and security of every participant and college property and can be held liable for any infractions.