WSU Tri-Cities Civic Engagement FAQ

Students, faculty and staff can get involved in a variety of ways including voting, volunteering and attending public meetings. WSU Tri-Cities also hosts programs and has a myriad of related campus resources:

Contact WSU Tri-Cities Security immediately at 509-372-7698 if you do not feel safe.

Reach out to the WSU Tri-Cities Student Care Network if you are concerned about the wellbeing of a student.

Students can receive free and confidential mental health assistance from Counseling and Wellness or the COUG Helpline for 24/7 support at 509-554-5684.

Hate speech, while offensive and hurtful, is generally protected by the First Amendment. It is commonly defined as “any expression intended to vilify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group based on attributes such as race, religion, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or national origin.” Courts have ruled that restricting hate speech would conflict with the First Amendment’s protection of free expression, which public universities must adhere to. However, universities also have a responsibility to maintain a safe and inclusive environment. Determining what constitutes hate speech and where the line should be drawn between protected speech and harmful expression is a complex and often contentious issue with legal and ethical repercussions. WSU community members with concerns about hate speech or discriminatory speech can contact Compliance and Civil Rights at ccr@wsu.edu, 509-335-8288, or file a report or complaint online.

Contact WSU Tri-Cities Facilities Services by completing a space request form. All reservations for WSU Tri-Cities Campus facilities and grounds shall be coordinated through the Facilities department.

Individuals interested in protesting or engaging in counter-speech may benefit from consulting with campus security or local law enforcement, the Center for Community Standards, or Compliance and Civil Rights to ensure their actions do not implicate the university conduct or criminal code.

For more information, see WAC 504-33 which outlines the requirements, procedures, and limitations for use of university facilities for first amendment/free speech activities.

Please review related event policy considerations.

Students should check the WSU Student Speech Guide for information about hosting an event on campus.

Civil discourse is the practice of engaging in conversation intended to enhance understanding. It involves respectful dialogue, listening, and the exchange of ideas, even when those ideas are different from our own. It is important because it supports freedom of expression while promoting understanding, reducing conflict, enhancing problem solving and strengthening our democracy.

Peacefully protesting in accordance with campus policies is not a violation of the student code of conduct and is protected by the First Amendment.

At WSU Tri-Cities, open dialogue is essential to the educational experience. The commitment to free expression comes with the responsibility to respect the rights of others. WSU Tri-Cities will promptly address any activities that disrupt our mission or our student, faculty, staff or guest experience.

Students alleged to have violated campus policy will be referred to the student conduct process (Student Handbook). Consequences could include a warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, academic penalties, loss of privileges such as campus access or participation in University groups or activities. Violations of the law may result in legal consequences such as fines, arrests or prosecution.

Faculty must follow guidelines in the Faculty Manual. Violating the Faculty Manual can result in disciplinary actions including but not limited to written reprimands, temporary loss of departmental privileges, mandated training/counseling, reassignment, demotion in academic rank, reduction in salary, suspension, or termination.