Off-campus Speakers Policy

The University permits recognized student organizations to present speakers and programs representing diverse points of view to inform themselves on issues of contemporary concern. In presenting issues, the organizations will be expected to have the privilege of questioning the speaker. At the recommendation of the student affairs committee, the meeting shall be chaired by the faculty advisor of the group or other faculty member.

A. Speakers are selected who are in harmony with the goals of a Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher learning. Speakers must neither engage in speech of an inflammatory nature, nor encourage any action which is forbidden by the rules of the University or prohibited by federal, state, or local laws; and no speakers may advocate opposition to principles of faith and morals of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

B. Invitations should come in every instance from a recognized group on campus, a member of the faculty, or a member of the administration. Student organizations must exercise care and prudence in their choice of speakers, remembering that an institution cannot be wholly disassociated in the public mind from views expressed on its campus. An invitation in no way implies the University's approval of what will be said or done by the speaker. Student organizations intending to invite individuals to speak on topics related to one or more of the health sciences schools shall obtain written approval from the dean(s) of the appropriate school(s) prior to issuing the invitation. Because of the sensitive nature of some presentations dealing with religious or political issues, student organizations shall register their intention to invite and receive permission from the chancellor or designee prior to issuing an invitation to such speakers. While most speakers could be justified as ?educational,? efforts should be made to avoid single speakers being used solely for ?shock? or ?spectacle? purposes. Rather, they should tend to fit into a broader program of the organization of the University. An invitation to an outside speaker must always represent the desire of a recognized student group and not the will of an external organization.

	back	forward