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Tags: Censored, Censorship, College of the Canyons, first amendement, Progressive Student Alliance, reactionary, rights, Santa Clarita, student groups
Recently, the reprographics (on-campus copy facilities) department at our college denied us of our first amendment rights by telling us that the material for a Global Warming rally we were hosting was “too political” to be printed and distributed on campus. Because our club, the Progressive Student Alliance, is a chartered club with the college, we are supposed to be allowed full access to the department so long as we do not endorse specific candidates, and/or legislation. This is common among all other clubs on campus, as Christian organizations to Surfing clubs have equal access to those functions, and are regularly allowed to print and post as they please. After we contacted the local news paper, the administration finally budged and had a meeting with us. Proceeding this was an article in the newspaper, which was interesting, as our campus authorities dubiously lied, and told the news paper that we were denied access because of time constraints, copyright issues, and other red herrings which were simply not the case. Not only had we used public domain images and student-created artwork, but we had also given the reprographics department the proper paperwork two weeks in advance. It sometimes seems like the only thing that crosses the school bureaucrats mind is that his or her job supercedes all other ethical implications.

""Recently, the reprographics (on-campus copy facilities) department at our college denied us of our first amendment rights by telling us that the material for a Global Warming rally we were hosting was “too political” to be printed and distributed on campus.""
Their decision in no way impacts or infringes upon your first amendment rights.
That said, there's a lesson here for all of us: If a school administrator is telling you 'no' on something, and you get a reason out of them, get it in writing. Otherwise, the school's PR department can get away with saying whatever they like later on.
That was a very good move, going to the local media. And yes, next time get something in writing, or at least videotaped. Good luck! :)