Free Expression on Campus
Cerritos College is a public institution and is legally required to support lawful free expression in public areas of campus. Cerritos College does not sponsor, endorse, or approve the content of expressive activities. The opinions expressed by individuals and/or student organizations are their own and do not represent the College. The institution’s role is to remain viewpoint-neutral while ensuring safety and continuity of operations.
What Is Protected
Protected expression may include speech, leafleting, demonstrations, or other expressive activity conducted lawfully in public areas of campus, including speech that is offensive, inflammatory, provocative, or unpopular.
What the College May Regulate
The college may regulate time, place, and manner of expression and may intervene when conduct disrupts college operations, violates campus policies, or creates safety concerns. All participants are expected to follow campus policies. Activities that disrupt college operations or violate college policies are not permitted.
Engaging with Expressive Activity
Students are free to engage with expressive activity in ways that feel appropriate to them, including observing, participating respectfully, disengaging, or taking different paths to avoid content some may find upsetting. Students are encouraged to consider their choices to engage, boundary setting, and sources of support.
- You have agency: Participation in or engagement with tabling, speakers, or events is entirely optional. Students are free to disengage, take an alternate route, or leave an area if an interaction feels distressing.
- Prepare for emotional responses: Expressive activity can be upsetting for some individuals, and all are encouraged to prioritize their own well‑being and seek support if needed.
- Support resources: Students who experience emotional distress are encouraged to connect with campus support resources, such as Student Health Services/Mental Health Services.
- Report concerns: Any behavior that crosses into harassment, threats, or disruption should be reported
to Cerritos College Police or the Office of Student Conduct & Grievances so it can
be addressed through established processes.
When to Contact Police
Contact Cerritos College Police if there are safety concerns, threats, harassment, or disruption of college operations. Cerritos College Police: (562) 924-3618
Recording and Social Media
Recording or live streaming may occur during expressive activity, and images or video may be shared publicly, including without the consent of the individual being recorded. Any recording is not sponsored, endorsed, or approved by Cerritos College.