Washington Administrative Code Title 132V - Tacoma Community College
🔷 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 132V – Tacoma Community College
📘 Overview
Title 132V is part of the WAC, which codifies the regulations of state agencies in Washington.
These regulations are adopted under the authority of RCW (Revised Code of Washington) statutes related to higher education and community colleges.
Title 132V applies only to Tacoma Community College, one of the public community colleges in Washington State.
🏛️ Governing Authority
Tacoma Community College is governed by:
The Board of Trustees of Community College District 22 (TCC’s district designation).
The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) oversees all state community colleges, but each college adopts its own WAC Title (e.g., 132V for TCC).
📚 Major Chapters in WAC Title 132V
Below are the key chapters typically included in Title 132V. (Note: Exact chapter numbers may vary slightly depending on updates, but the structure generally includes the following topics.)
1. 132V-10: Organization and Operation of TCC
Describes the college’s organizational structure.
Defines the powers and responsibilities of:
The Board of Trustees
The President of the College
Administrative departments
Explains how the public may request access to public records under Washington’s Public Records Act.
🔹 Key Principles:
Transparency
Accountability in administration
Access to governance documents
2. 132V-116: Parking and Traffic Regulations
Rules governing vehicle operation and parking on campus.
Requirements for permits, speed limits, and enforcement.
Penalties for violations and procedures for appeal of citations.
🔹 Enforcement Mechanism:
Campus safety officers can issue citations.
Appeals may go through a college-designated process or committee.
Hypothetical Case Illustration:
A student challenges a parking citation, claiming inadequate signage. The college’s parking appeals board finds that signage complied with WAC 132V-116 and denies the appeal. A court reviewing such a decision would defer to the college if procedures were followed fairly and the rule was applied consistently.
3. 132V-121: Student Conduct Code
This is one of the most critical chapters. It outlines:
Prohibited conduct, such as:
Academic dishonesty (cheating/plagiarism)
Disruptive behavior
Harassment or discrimination
Drug/alcohol use on campus
Procedures for:
Investigating alleged violations
Student disciplinary hearings
Sanctions (warnings, probation, suspension, expulsion)
Appeals process
🔹 Due Process Rights:
Students are guaranteed:
Notice of charges
Opportunity to respond
Right to appeal
Case Law Example (Generalized – based on similar cases in Washington):
📌 Doe v. Tacoma Community College (Hypothetical Illustration)
A student is suspended for violating the student conduct code by making threats during class. The student claims free speech protection. The college conducts a hearing per WAC 132V-121 and finds the behavior violated safety policies. Courts generally uphold the college’s decision if due process was provided and the conduct clearly violated safety-based regulations.
4. 132V-300: Student Grievance Procedures
Outlines how students can file complaints against:
Faculty or staff
Administrative decisions
Alleged discrimination or unfair treatment
🔹 Steps typically include:
Informal resolution attempt
Formal written complaint
Hearing before a grievance board or administrator
Final appeal to the college president or designee
5. 132V-280: Weapons Policy
Prohibits possession of firearms or dangerous weapons on campus.
Exceptions may include:
Law enforcement officers
Pre-approved use for academic purposes (e.g., theatrical performance)
⚖️ Legal Principles & Case Law
Although direct appellate-level case law specifically citing WAC Title 132V is rare, legal issues arising from WAC 132V rules often involve the following constitutional and administrative law principles:
🔹 1. Due Process (14th Amendment & Washington Constitution)
Students facing suspension or expulsion must be afforded due process under the student conduct code.
Courts in Washington have upheld that community colleges must follow their own procedures as outlined in their WAC codes.
📌 Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975) – While not a Washington case, it’s often cited for student due process rights, which Washington colleges (including TCC) must observe in disciplinary actions.
🔹 2. Freedom of Speech
Students can’t be punished for protected speech.
However, threats, harassment, or incitement are not protected and may be regulated under WAC 132V-121.
📌 Meriwether v. Hartop, 992 F.3d 492 (6th Cir. 2021) – Though from another jurisdiction, courts use similar reasoning to balance free speech rights with institutional policies.
🔹 3. Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
If a student or employee challenges a disciplinary action or policy enforcement, courts review whether the college:
Acted within its statutory authority.
Followed proper procedures.
Made decisions supported by substantial evidence.
✅ Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Code | WAC Title 132V |
| Applies To | Tacoma Community College |
| Covers | Governance, conduct code, parking, grievances, public records, etc. |
| Key Values | Fairness, transparency, due process, student rights |
| Case Law Themes | Due process, freedom of speech, fair application of administrative rules |
🔍 Final Notes
WAC Title 132V operates as law within the college environment.
Courts will typically uphold college decisions if they follow the rules in WAC 132V, respect students’ constitutional rights, and act within statutory authority.
Students and staff should be familiar with their rights and responsibilities under these rules, especially concerning conduct and grievance procedures.
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