GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A statement has been released regarding a lawsuit between Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College and a student, which happened in October of 2017.
Records show the student filed a complaint after the college denied that they violated the student’s rights.
Dr. Colleen Simpson, Vice President of Student Services, released a statement on the case Wednesday, February 13.
“Like any student, Polly is welcome and free to hand out material as long as she stays out of active classrooms and labs, and other areas where students are learning, and areas where confidential student or employee information is being handled or maintained – our only concerns with Polly’s activities last year. It doesn’t matter whether the material is Valentines or baseball cards.”
“In addition, if Polly, like all students, has questions about handing out materials within NWTC’s campus locations, she has been free to contact me or any other representative of the NWTC’s Student Services office. Like last year, we have not received any such questions from Polly, “
“It is important to note that in October 2017, the Public Assembly Policy was reviewed as part of our regular policy review process. While we confirmed that it satisfies the Constitution, we decided that it was due for an update. With the help and insight of NWTC leaders and legal counsel, the policy has been redrafted as the NWTC Freedom of Speech, Expression, and Public Assembly Policy. Currently, it is being reviewed by a group of NWTC students to make sure it satisfies the desires of our student body. Upon our receipt of these students’ thoughts and comments on the draft policy, it will be finalized and adopted by the NWTC Executive Leadership Team. At that point, the old Public Assembly Policy will be permanently withdrawn.”
“We had asked Polly to participate in the review, comment and finalization of the draft Freedom of Speech, Expression, and Public Assembly Policy before she filed her lawsuit. While we were hopeful to receive her input, she decided not to work with us, instead putting this issue into the media and the courts. We remain hopeful that we are able to work with Polly in resolving her issues outside of a long and expensive court battle.”
