Petition Signature Solicitation Protocols

“Public expression” means all speech—excluding Breaches of the Peace, Commercial Speech, Defamation, Fighting Words, Gratuitous Violence, Harassment, Heckler’s Veto, Obscenity, Prohibited Discrimination, or True Threats—by persons who are lawfully present on College property that is conducted in a public area, including, but not limited to, protests, demonstrations, rallies, speeches, forums, the distribution of posters or leaflets, and the collection of signatures for petitions, and includes all activities related to an individual’s right to peacefully assemble and/or petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Any individual or group expressing their views on an idea (including religion), a candidate, a petition, or other related political activity. This also includes community groups working to better the local or regional community. Individuals or groups looking to sell items, or promote a business are not eligible as they would fall under commercial speech.

As stated in the Public Access and Expression on College Property Administrative Procedure, the Colleges’ free speech areas are any outside spaces and public areas not in use for college functions. Free expression activities should not block ingress or egress of college buildings, parking lots, or the general campus.

“Public Area” means an outdoor area that is generally open to the public during the District’s regular hours of operation and accessible by a public road or walkway without the need to enter or pass through a building or enclosed space. Public areas do not include the interiors of District buildings or enclosed outdoor spaces, such as building atriums or athletic fields.

No. Free speech participants may bring their own tables, chairs and tents as long as these items are removed once the free speech activity is complete for the day. No property should be left overnight.

Free speech activities can take place during any of the Maricopa Community Colleges' regular business hours.

• Political party voter registration and outreach
• Petition drives
• Political advocacy around local or global issues
• Church/Mosque/Synagogue/Religion promotions
• United Way Volunteer drive
• Red Cross Donation Collection

• Advertising for a new restaurant
• Selling clothing or jewelry
• Promoting a business activity or event

No. Selling items is considered a commercial activity. Requests for commercial activity should follow the facilities use request process. An exception to this rule would be the selling of political merchandise that would be considered political speech—meaning activities intended to promote a particular candidate for public office or a ballot initiative.

No. Any collection of money should go through the college’s facilities use request process.

Reservations or prior permission from the Maricopa Community Colleges are not required for free-speech/public-expression activities, but our colleges accept reservations for specific outdoor areas upon request. Reservations may be made by contacting the appropriate office at the college to complete the College Public Expression Activity Reservation form. Our colleges appreciate advance reservations to assist in planning other college activities.

No. These activities should use only free speech/public expression areas outside.

Yes, but only as part of college-sponsored events. Any individual or group not expressly invited to participate in a college event for the purpose of registering voters should use only free speech/public expression areas outside.

No, tabling of any kind is only allowed inside the campus facilities as part of a college-sponsored event/activity. Outside groups may still rent other spaces such as classrooms, theater areas, community rooms, the gym etc. through our facilities use request process.

If a member of the public wishes to file a complaint regarding our free speech accommodations, the Student Life Coordinator will provide contact information for the campus Vice President. If an individual becomes disruptive, Student Life is advised to contact campus police and report the matter.