Counter-Protest
A peaceful assembly on campus may invite another form of demonstration and/or protest. When these
occasions arise, the freedom of expression of all parties is important. Please note that a separate
protest area may be designated for those persons with views that differ from the views held by the
event organizers. Public Safety may be required in order to ensure the safety of all participants.
Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend all their classes as scheduled. Specific class attendance policies are
the prerogative of the individual faculty member. Students will be held responsible for any missed
coursework. Any arrangements for missed coursework will be at the discretion of the faculty. In some
cases, missed coursework may result in a reduction in grade or no grade at all for unauthorized
absences.
Photography
Spelman College and its representatives on occasion take photographs for the College’s use in print
and electronic publications. This serves as public notice of the College’s intent to do so and as a
release to the College of permission to use such images as it deems fit. If you should object to the
use of your photograph, you have the right to withhold its release by filling out a form in the Office of
the Dean of Students.
Sponsoring Visiting Speakers
Political activity by student organizations is considered an educational activity and is permissible by
the Internal Revenue Service. Thus, the following guidelines are required for coordination of political
activity on the Spelman College campus:
1. The request must be made by a recognized student organization at least 14 days in advance of
the stated activity.
2. The event must be approved by the Office of Student Life & Engagement, Office of the Dean of
Students and the Office of the Vice-President for College Relations.
3. All advertisement must include the following disclaimer:
“This event is sponsored by __________. The use of Spelman College facilities
for this event does not constitute an endorsement by Spelman College.
Spelman College does not endorse or oppose any candidate or organization in
connection with this or any other political campaign or election.”
4. The beginning of the event must include the following disclaimer:
“This event is sponsored by __________. The use of Spelman College
facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by Spelman College.
The views of those invited to speak on campus are the views of the speaker
and not of Spelman College. Spelman College does not endorse or oppose
any candidate or organization in connection with this or any other political
campaign or election.”
5. No fundraising activities will be permitted to occur before, during or after the event.
6. All organizations must clearly state that Spelman College provides equal access for all political
parties, candidates, and political views.
The Office of Student Life & Engagement will review requests for potential sponsorship of events on a
case-by-case basis in consultation with other College officials. It is expected that events will be registered
and approved using the regular timeline and event registration process in place for all registered student
organization events. A request for exceptions with less than two weeks notice will not be approved.
Spelman College is considered a 501(c) (3) exempt organization. In 1954, Congress imposed a
requirement on all 501(c)(3) exempt organizations that they not engage in partisan political activity,
including interviewing, directly or indirectly engaging in any political campaign on behalf of or in
opposition to any candidate for public office at any level, whether federal, state or local. Violations of this
policy can lead to excise taxes and may jeopardize the Spelman College tax-exempt status.
For questions about these guidelines, please contact the Director of Student Life & Engagement in
Manley College Center, Room 201.
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