Chico State Hosts Forum on Updated Time, Location and Conduct Policies – The Orion

Chico State hosted a forum for students and faculty on Wednesday to discuss Chico State's updates Politics of time, place and behavior.

Joseph MoralesThe university's diversity officer, opened the forum by explaining the intent of the policy to “promote healthy discourse and the exchange of ideas in a safe and peaceful manner.”

The budget law of 2024 required that the California State University system develop a system-wide framework for “campus climate” preparation. It was this act that led the CSU system to create an updated policy.

All CSU campuses are required to adhere to CSU's time, place and conduct policies, but each campus has a different process, set forth in an addendum, describing how students must comply with these policies.

Addendum from Chico State established a university response team, supported existing time, place and conduct policies, and required that the school have an educational program and resources to support free expression and a sense of safety on campus.

Members of the university's response team include Morales as well as:

Morales spoke about free speech facilitators on campus, explaining that their job is to educate others about the legal rights of those who violate free speech rights.

Morales said these processes are subject to change.

A student shouted loudly into the room, “When?”

“That’s why they’re hosting the forum, to learn more,” Morales replied.

“The reason why the CSU is cracking down on freedom of expression is the destruction of the Palestinian people.” Robin Averbecksaid a history department faculty member.

The crowd clapped in response.

One student followed that concern, saying, “There is no such thing as a neutral education.” She raised concerns about a pastor who was on campus Tuesday. She explained that the guidelines support the suppression of free speech.

Morales agreed that protests have created a diversity position in education, but that there is a difference between free speech and civil disobedience.

“Civil disobedience is when students violate policies,” Morales said.

He explained that those who “spread hate speech” have a legal right to say what they say, as long as it is not targeted speech or harassment.

Lindsay Briggsa Chico State faculty member with a doctorate in health behavior and sexuality studies, expressed that free speech moderators should be more considerate of students who experience hate speech on campus.

“We need to do more and speak up when students are verbally abusive,” Briggs said.

Chris Sullivanpresident of the Associated Students, said he wanted to let students know that AS can make a difference in the CSU system and in policies that impact Chico State.

It is the student government's job to advocate for students, Sullivan said.

Dr. Cirilo Cortez also talked about a new protocol for tables, explaining that tables are defined as “any activity that involves the use of tables – and chairs – or other free-standing structures.”

Added table protocol guidelines include:

• Must be a recognized student organization and campus institution
• Accountability steps need to be clarified
• Nonaffiliated organizations and individuals must receive sponsorship from the department or auxiliary organizations

Cortez cited student safety as well as structure and organization as reasons for the changes. The new tabling protocol is intended to protect students from harassment and encourage organizations to seek recognition on campus.

It also prevents tables from being placed on reservations, fire routes, sidewalks and entrances and only supports seating in three designated areas on campus.

These assigned table areas include:

• Trinity Lawn
• The glove
• Plumas Hall

Jessica Miller and Ellie Marty can be reached at (email protected).