Sierra College serves a diverse set of communities from the Sacramento Valley to the Sierra Nevada mountains, including Placer, Nevada and portions of El Dorado and Sacramento Counties. To meet the needs of these communities, Sierra College offers a wide range of degree, transfer, career, and technical training programs at four campuses in Rocklin, Roseville, Grass Valley and Tahoe-Truckee.
Mission Statement
The mission of Sierra College is to ensure that all our students have access to an equitable, high-quality education where they are welcomed, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals.
Vision Statement
Sierra College will be the preferred destination for higher education and training in our region, strengthening our surrounding communities through the success of our students.
Core Values
The following core values will establish our ethical principles and guide our institutional decision-making. Through a process of continuous evaluation, Sierra College will:
Cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community to enrich its mission and support students in achieving their educational goals.
Empower students in their education.
Identify and remove historical barriers to equitable education and success.
Support and model excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, scholarship, and creativity.
Support students, faculty, and staff with the resources necessary to ensure equitable student success.
Be responsive to the educational and workforce needs of our local communities and businesses.
Demonstrate equity-minded collaboration with all stakeholders in decision making.
Manage all resources in a manner that is equitable, sustainable, and responsible.
The mission is reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis and revised as needed.
Free Speech and First Amendment Rights at Sierra College
Sierra College is committed to ensuring that all persons may exercise their constitutionally protected rights of free expression, speech, and assembly.
Sierra College acknowledges the important role that college and universities campuses have played as public forums for free expression, exchange of ideas, the promotion of tolerance, and advocacy for social change. Sierra College protects these ideals and the opportunity for free expression. Sierra College is committed to fulfilling our educational mission by providing a safe and orderly environment in which to teach, learn and visit. Our District policies help to ensure that the rights of all are protected.
If any member of the Sierra College community feels unsafe or that their ability to pass freely through any area of campus is being impeded by any activity, please contact Department of Community Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Speech and First Amendment Rights at Sierra College
Free speech is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the California Constitution (Article 1, Section 1). Sierra College Board Policy 3900 and Administrative Procedure 3900 affirm these free speech protections on Sierra College campuses and establish policies related to the time, place and manner of free speech expression. Additionally, students’ free speech rights are protected by Education Code 76120 and written into the Sierra College Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
Yes, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects all lawful free speech – even if the content may be offensive to others. Sierra College embraces the historic role that colleges and universities have played in serving as public forums for the peaceful exchange of ideas and the promotion of tolerance for different viewpoints. If Sierra College becomes aware of free speech activity that may be construed by some as offensive, it works to communicate with our college community in advance.
No. Any outside space on Sierra College campuses which is more than 30 feet away from buildings are considered limited public forums – like streets, parks or town squares – where free speech rights are protected. Sierra College has not established specified areas as free speech zones.
Yes. Public assemblies, rallies and protests by students have played an historic role on college and university campuses, bringing important and beneficial changes within society and in the development of our democracy. In general, protesters can express their personal and political opinions on campus and take part in group actions as long as their actions do not violate any laws, do not incite violence, and do not constitute true threats to others.
Students and others are expected to obtain a permit to hold an event or tabling on campus. This allows for the safety of all those directly and indirectly involved and ensures fair and equitable access to college facilities. Furthermore, by going through the process, you can also request campus-provided tables, chairs, stage, sound equipment, and other event components that are not available to people who do not go through the facilities process.
Sierra College cannot restrict speech. However, Sierra College Board Policy and Administrative Policy establish certain rules around the time, place and manner of expression. These include limiting activity that disrupts the orderly operation of the College, activity that involves violence or physical altercation, activity that uses amplified noise to disrupt conduct of the campus or classes, and activities that solicit donations of money, unless on behalf of a registered nonprofit.
Physical signs, when held, are a kind of speech, and protected by the Constitution. Signs bearing messages which are unprotected, like those inciting violence or threats to others, are not allowed. Also, signs may not interfere with the educational environment by blocking access. An unapproved sign that is placed in the ground and not attended will be removed as it then becomes an exhibit or display in accord with Sierra College administrative policies (i.e., AP 6625).
Anyone may post materials on campus, but materials must be placed in designated areas for campus safety and as set forth by administrative policies. Locations for posting are noted on the interactive campus maps. Materials posted in designated areas may be removed at the end of each week. Materials placed outside of designated areas may be removed immediately. Buttons, badges and other insignia are also protected free speech.
Sierra College policy prohibits speech that is defamatory, obscene, incites others to violence or other crimes, or disrupts the operation of the College. The District will take action as appropriate for harassment, threats, intimidation, or hate violence that is not constitutionally protected. Acts of civil disobedience are not protected speech under the Constitution (for example trespassing on private property to erect signs or speak). Civil disobedience may have a negative effect on the protected interests of others and may interfere with college business or threaten public safety or college assets in ways that require Sierra College to take action to protect those other interests.
Anyone can avail themselves of their First Amendment rights, including Sierra College employees on their own time. However, employees may not protest (or counter-protest) in their capacity as an employee of the District. A District employee should make clear that they are acting as a private citizen when engaging in free speech activities.
The courts have ruled that people in public areas have no reasonable expectation of privacy. As a result, individuals or groups may film or photograph people in public areas without their expressed consent. Bystanders have the right to record free speech groups on campus as well. If you are concerned that a free speech group is overstepping legal bounds and you want to share evidence of that behavior to authorities, then you are within your rights to record their activities.
