Washington Administrative Code Title 132S - Columbia Basin College
📘 Overview: Washington Administrative Code Title 132S – Columbia Basin College
🔹 What Is Title 132S?
Title 132S of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) contains the rules and regulations governing Columbia Basin College (CBC), a public community college located in Pasco, Washington. This title outlines how the college operates within the broader framework of Washington’s community and technical college system, which is overseen by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).
Each college in the system has its own section in the WAC with a unique title number — 132S is the code assigned to Columbia Basin College.
🏛️ Purpose of Title 132S
The rules in WAC Title 132S serve several purposes:
Define college governance structure and administrative procedures
Establish student rights and responsibilities
Regulate student conduct, disciplinary processes, and appeals
Lay out campus safety, facilities use, and public records procedures
Ensure compliance with state laws, including due process, privacy, and anti-discrimination statutes
🔑 Key Chapters & Rules within Title 132S
1. WAC 132S-10 – Student Conduct Code
This is one of the most critical sections and outlines:
Behavior expectations for students (academic integrity, harassment, drugs/alcohol, violence)
Disciplinary actions for violations (warnings, probation, suspension, expulsion)
Due process rights: notice, hearings, appeals
Provisions for Title IX complaints, addressing sexual harassment and discrimination
🧠 Important Note: The student conduct process must comply with constitutional due process protections and the Washington Administrative Procedure Act.
2. WAC 132S-20 – Use of College Facilities
This section regulates how both internal (students, staff) and external (community, organizations) parties may use CBC’s property, including:
Reserving rooms, outdoor spaces, and facilities
Rules on free speech, assembly, and public demonstrations
Restrictions on commercial activities and disruptive behavior
This ensures the balance between free expression and college operations.
3. WAC 132S-30 – Public Records
This rule outlines procedures for:
Requesting public records under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56)
Timeframes for response
Possible exemptions (e.g., student records protected under FERPA)
4. WAC 132S-40 – Traffic and Parking Rules
Regulates:
Vehicle registration
Parking permits
Enforcement and fines for violations on campus
5. WAC 132S-50 – Campus Safety and Security
Includes:
Authority of campus safety officers
Emergency procedures
Crime reporting and Clery Act compliance
⚖️ Relevant Case Law Involving Columbia Basin College or WAC 132S
While direct case law specifically citing Title 132S is relatively rare, cases involving student conduct, due process, and public institutions help interpret how these rules are applied in real scenarios.
🧑⚖️ Case 1: Doe v. Columbia Basin College (Hypothetical Example Based on Common Legal Themes)
Facts:
A student was suspended for allegedly violating the college’s conduct code (WAC 132S-10), specifically relating to harassment. The student argued that the college failed to provide due process.
Issue:
Did CBC violate the student’s constitutional or procedural due process rights under WAC 132S-10?
Ruling:
The court found that CBC’s student conduct process, which included written notice, a hearing before a student conduct board, and a right to appeal, met constitutional due process standards.
Significance:
Affirms that community colleges must provide notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard, and WAC 132S outlines sufficient mechanisms to comply with those obligations.
🧑⚖️ Case 2: Smith v. Columbia Basin College (Hypothetical)
Facts:
A local political group was denied access to reserve a space on campus for a demonstration. They claimed this violated their First Amendment rights.
Issue:
Was CBC’s denial a violation of the group's free speech rights under WAC 132S-20?
Ruling:
The court ruled that public colleges may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on speech as long as they are content-neutral and serve a legitimate interest. CBC’s rules under WAC 132S-20 were found to be constitutional and fairly applied.
⚠️ Legal Principles at Play
Due Process (5th and 14th Amendments)
Student discipline must follow fair procedures. WAC 132S-10 includes protections to satisfy this.
First Amendment Rights
Columbia Basin College, as a public institution, must protect free expression but can regulate it using WAC 132S-20.
Administrative Law
Title 132S is subject to the Washington Administrative Procedure Act, meaning actions taken under these rules can be reviewed in court for fairness and legality.
Public Records Law (RCW 42.56)
Public colleges are required to disclose non-exempt information; WAC 132S-30 implements this at CBC.
✅ Summary Table
| WAC Section | Topic | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 132S-10 | Student Conduct Code | Disciplinary procedures, student rights, due process |
| 132S-20 | Use of College Facilities | Regulates speech, demonstrations, and public access |
| 132S-30 | Public Records | Access to institutional records under WA law |
| 132S-40 | Traffic and Parking | Rules for campus parking and enforcement |
| 132S-50 | Campus Safety and Security | Emergency procedures, officer authority, safety policies |
📌 Final Notes
Columbia Basin College is governed by rules tailored to local needs, but must also follow state and federal law.
WAC Title 132S ensures legal compliance, protects rights, and promotes a safe, fair academic environment.
Although litigation directly referencing WAC 132S may be rare, the legal principles embedded in its rules are regularly tested in administrative and judicial review.
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