Purpose
These guidelines support civic engagement while maintaining strict institutional neutrality. They provide direction for handling political events and expressive activities on campus in compliance with the U.S. Constitution, Texas Constitution, and applicable Texas Education Code provisions.
Institutional Neutrality
Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) does not endorse, oppose, or promote any political party, candidate, or political position. The College may provide access to its facilities as a neutral forum but shall not sponsor, co-host, or advocate for political activity.
Applicability
These guidelines apply to political parties, candidates for public office, campaigns, student organizations, employees, and external individuals or organizations requesting to engage in political or expressive activity on campus.
Candidate Forums (Multiple Candidates)
Candidate forums may be permitted when all declared candidates for the same office are invited, equal time is provided, a neutral moderator is used, no fundraising occurs, and the event serves an educational or informational purpose.
Single-Candidate Events or Political Rallies
Single-candidate events or rallies may be permitted only as neutral facility use. The College shall not sponsor or promote the event, standard facility use procedures and fees apply, and College branding may not be used.
Political Party Events
Recognized political parties may request use of College facilities under the same neutral criteria applied to other external organizations. Approval or denial shall not be based on political viewpoint.
Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions
The College may impose reasonable, content-neutral, and viewpoint-neutral restrictions related to scheduling, location, attendance size, noise, safety, security, and compliance history. Decisions shall not be based on anticipated controversy.
Fees and Costs
