The  following persons  spoke  in support of  the  Speech Protection Resolution (Agenda Item 12.1):
Mike McNeely, County Commissioner Phyllis DeSaele (Sterling Heights),
County Commissioner Peter Lund Joe Munem (Sterling Heights), Keith Collins, Torn Ulrich (St.Clair Shores), Darin Chase (Clinton Twp.), Mark
Forton (Chesterfield Twp.) and Leon Drolet (Shelby Twp.)

12. Speech Protection

MOTION by Sessa, supported by DeLuca, to approve the Speech Protection Resolution as presented.

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Community College District of the County of Macomb believe that its enrolled ~tudent body posseses the absolute right to enjoy the constitutional protection of freedom of speech in order to explore the diversity of ideas and opinions crucial to higher education; and

WHEREAS, certain special interest groups, by virtue of their political philosophy, or by their ethnic/or racial background, or by their sexual orientdtion have ~orced implementation of policies at other institutior of higher leaining known as 'speech codes" where speech or other forms of communication which those groups deem offensive have been prohibited and students that offend these groups have been subject to disciplirlary action; and

WHEREAS,  the Board of Trustees believe that such policies have a chilling effect on fr~edom of speech, and are hostile to the first amendment to the constitution of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees affirm their own oath of office which dictates protectIon of the constitution of the United States;

NOW,  THEREFORE,  BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Community college Di~trict of the County of Macomb oppose any rule or policy that subjects a student to disciplinary action solely on the basis of conduct  that is speech or other communication protected from government restriction under the first amendment to the constitution of the United States.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees shall not establish or enforce any such rule or policy against any student of its enrolled student body and hereby authorize the President as its representative and agent to take such steps as to ensure that such disciplinary action shall not take place.  The Board of Trustees also directs the President to inform the enrolled student body of this policy.