Policy 1.15 Employee Expression and Use of College Facilities and Grounds

Policy 1.15 Employee Expression and Use of College Facilities and Grounds

Adoption Date: October 24, 2025 - Revised

In response to Executive Order GA-44 issued by Governor Greg Abbott on March 27, 2024, and in concert with existing law, Howard College reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and accessible campus environment. We condemn all forms of antisemitism, which is defined as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews” as outlined in Section 448.001 of the Texas Government Code, and uphold the values of respect, tolerance, and academic freedom. We enforce these policies diligently to ensure that all employees feel secure in expressing their views while upholding the standards of respectful discourse.

Use of college facilities and grounds may not:

Constitute expression that is unlawful or disruptive to the operations of the College, including, but not limited to, expression that is considered prohibited harassment (to include discriminatory harassment) or antisemitism.
Constitute an immediate and actual danger to the peace or security of the College.
Materially or substantially disrupt or disturb the regular college activities.
Result in damage to or defacement of property.

Additional Regulations

In response to SB2972 (89th Legislature) employees of the College are prohibited from the following when participating in expressive activities:

1. Using a device to amplify sound while engaging in expressive activities on campus during class hours that:

a. Intimidate others;

b. Interfere with campus operations; or

c. Interfere with the College employee’s or a peace officer’s lawful performance of a duty;

2. Engaging in express activities during the last two weeks of a semester or term:

a. In the common outdoor areas of the College’s campuses in a manner that materially and substantially disrupts the functioning of the institution;

b. Inviting speakers to speak on campus;

c. Using a device to amplify sound; or

d. 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:

a. Obstruct the enforcement of the College’s rules or the law by avoiding identification;

b. Intimidate others;

c . Interfere with a College employee’s or a peace officer’s lawful performance of a duty;

5. Lowering the College’s flag of the United States or of the State of Texas 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 the College campuses between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Employees must present proof of identity and employment status upon request by a College official performing official duties on campus.

Employee Violations

Failure to comply with this policy and associated procedures shall result in appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension of an employee’s or employee organization’s use of college facilities as permitted by this policy and/or other disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Endorsement Disclaimer

Expressive activities on college grounds do not imply endorsement by the College.

Contact Information

Contact the Human Resources office for more information. Employees will follow the same procedures and regulations as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Policy Approval and Publication

This policy was approved by a majority vote of the Howard College Governing Board. It is published on the College’s website, included in the personnel handbook, and distributed during employee onboarding and orientation.