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2.1.4 Memorials and Public Displays

Responsible Position

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

RELATED ITEMS

Minnesota State Board Policy
Minnesota State System Procedure

PROCEDURES

Alexandria Technical and Community College (ATCC) recognizes that members of the campus community may wish to honor individuals or express shared grief through temporary memorials or public displays. This procedure provides guidance for such expressions in a manner that respects free speech, maintains campus safety, and aligns with the college’s educational mission. 

This procedure applies to all campus-affiliated students, employees, and visitors who wish to place or organize memorials or commemorative displays on ATCC property. 

ATCC permits temporary memorials and public displays (e.g., flowers, photos, signs) in designated campus areas, provided they: 

  • Are first approved by ATCC Academic and Student Affairs 
  • Fit within a 5 x 7-foot area 
  • Do not obstruct access to buildings, walkways, or emergency routes 
  • Do not pose safety hazards or violate fire codes 
  • Are respectful in nature and consistent with community standards, including respectful volume levels if sound is used 
  • Are not permanent installations unless approved through formal procedures 

Displays may reflect personal, cultural, or political expression, including tributes to public figures. However, ATCC does not endorse the content of any memorial or display and maintains institutional neutrality. 

Procedures for Memorials and Displays 

Notification, Approval, and Placement 

  • Campus-affiliated individuals or groups wishing to place a memorial or display must contact the ATCC Academic and Student Affairs Office by emailing academic.affairs@alextech.edu to gain approval. A minimum of 2 business days in advance is needed for notification. 
  • If approval is granted, memorials or displays may be placed in the landscaped 700 courtyard or the 700 display nook. 
  • A temporary sign stating that memorial content is not affiliated with college views must be picked up at Academic and Student Affairs and displayed with the memorial. 
  • Memorials and displays may remain for up to 7 calendar days, unless extended by special approval from ATCC Academic and Student Affairs. 

Review and Removal 

  • Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approval is not guaranteed. 
  • ATCC reserves the right to remove any memorial or display that: 
    • Violates laws or college policies  
    • Creates a disruption to campus operations 
    • Is deemed unsafe or offensive under applicable guidelines 
  • Removed items will be stored for 5 days and may be reclaimed by the organizer within that time period from the Academic and Student Affairs Office. After 5 days, the items will be disposed of. 

Permanent Memorials and Displays 

  • Requests for permanent memorials or displays (e.g., plaques, benches, named spaces) must be submitted to the ATCC President’s Office at Pres-HROffice@alextech.edu.
  • The request will be reviewed in accordance with Minnesota State Procedure 8.3.1 and ATCC’s facilities and naming policies. The requester will be notified whether or not the request is approved.
  • ATCC will make every effort to respond to requests for a permanent memorial or display within 60 calendar days; however, unforeseen circumstances may extend the approval timeline.