Wash. Admin. Code § 132F-121-020 - Student rights, freedoms, and responsibilities
(1) Statement of student rights. As members
of the academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for
critical judgment and to engage in an independent search for truth. Freedom to
teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The
freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the
classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise
their freedom with responsibility. The responsibility to secure and to respect
general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members
of the college community.
The following enumerated rights are guaranteed to each student within the limitations of statutory law and college policy which are deemed necessary to achieve the educational goals of the college:
(a) Academic freedom.
(i) Students are guaranteed the rights of
free inquiry, expression, and assembly upon and within college facilities that
are generally open and available to the public.
(ii) Students are free to pursue appropriate
educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs, and
services, subject to the limitations of
RCW
28B.50.090(3)(b).
(iii) Students shall be protected from
academic evaluation which is arbitrary, prejudiced, or capricious, but are
responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established by
each of their instructors.
(iv)
Students have the right to a learning environment which is free from unlawful
discrimination, inappropriate and disrespectful conduct, and any and all
harassment, including sexual harassment.
(b) Due process.
(i) The rights of students to be secure in
their persons, quarters, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and
seizures is guaranteed.
(ii) No
disciplinary sanction may be imposed on any student without notice to the
accused of the nature of the charges.
(iii) A student accused of violating this
code of student conduct is entitled, upon request, to procedural due process as
set forth in this chapter.
(iv)
Sexual misconduct investigations. Both the respondent and the claimant in cases
involving allegations of sexual misconduct shall be provided the same
procedural rights to participate in student discipline matters, including the
right to participate in the initial disciplinary decision-making process and to
appeal any disciplinary decision.
(2) Classroom freedom of expression. The
district recognizes the rights of students to freedom of discussion and free
expression of views. However, students' rights of classroom expression do not
include expressions or conduct which create a hostile educational environment
or violate chapter 49.60 RCW or other applicable law. It is the responsibility
of the instructor to insure and encourage the realization not only of the fact
but of the spirit of free inquiry. Instructors have the responsibility to
maintain order, but this authority shall not be used to inhibit the expression
of views contrary to their own. Students have the right to take reasoned
exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve
judgment about matters of opinion, but they cannot do so in a disruptive manner
that interferes with the educational process. Students are responsible for
learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. It
also is the responsibility of the student to comply with the instructor's
efforts to assure freedom of expression and to maintain order.
(3) Protection against improper evaluation.
Instructors shall give their students fair and consistent evaluations of the
students' course performance. Toward this end, instructors are also responsible
for establishing appropriate standards of academic performance for each course.
Fair and consistent grading is a legitimate classroom experience.
(4) Protection against improper disclosure.
Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which is
acquired by instructors in the course of their work as faculty or advisors,
under circumstances which clearly indicate that it is intended to be
confidential, shall be treated as confidential and shall not be disclosed to
others, unless it relates to the apparent or intended commission of a crime or
disclosure is required by law. Protection against improper disclosure of
student education record information is a serious professional obligation
incurred by the teaching profession and district administrators. However,
evaluations of student ability and character may be provided to third parties
with the student's consent or in accordance with applicable law.
(5) Nonacademic expression and inquiry.
Students and student organizations are free to examine and to discuss all
questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately,
in accordance with law. They are free to support causes by orderly and lawful
means which do not disrupt the operation of the institution and which comply
with the district's policies regarding these activities.
(6) The district shall respect students'
right to privacy. It will not inquire into the off-campus activities of its
students without legal justification.
Notes
Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.100, 28B.50.130, and/or28B.50.140 . 03-16-015, § 132F-121-020, filed 7/28/03, effective 8/28/03.
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