Washington Administrative Code Title 132T - Walla Walla Community College
🔹 What Is WAC Title 132T?
The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) contains the rules adopted by state agencies and institutions, with the force of law.
Title 132T is the collection of administrative rules specific to Walla Walla Community College (WWCC).
These rules govern the internal policies and legal processes of the college — covering things like student conduct, academic integrity, campus safety, records, and administrative hearings.
🔹 Legal Authority Behind Title 132T
WWCC is part of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) system.
Its rulemaking authority is derived from:
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 28B, particularly RCW 28B.50 (Community and Technical Colleges Act of 1991).
The Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Chapter 34.05 RCW, which governs how rules are created and enforced.
WAC Title 132T rules are created through formal processes that require notice, comment, and filing with the state Code Reviser.
🔹 What Do the Rules in Title 132T Cover?
Here are the major areas addressed in WAC Title 132T:
1. Student Code of Conduct
Prohibited behaviors: academic dishonesty, harassment, threats, property damage, alcohol or drug violations, etc.
Due process rights for accused students.
Sanctions: warnings, suspension, expulsion, restitution, and education-based remedies.
Procedures for appeals and hearings.
2. Disciplinary Procedures
WWCC must follow the APA for formal hearings (often using student conduct officers or administrative law judges).
Students have the right to notice, to be heard, to appeal, and to have a representative.
3. Campus Safety and Security
Rules may govern access to buildings, emergency procedures, weapons on campus, and Title IX implementation.
Coordination with local law enforcement is usually required for certain offenses.
4. Public Records
Procedures for requesting public records from WWCC under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).
Some student records are protected by FERPA (federal law), and these exemptions are reflected in the college’s rules.
5. Facilities Use
Policies on who can use campus space and for what purposes (e.g., student groups, outside speakers).
Rules to prevent disruption, ensure safety, and uphold viewpoint neutrality (important for First Amendment protections).
🔹 Relevant Case Law and Legal Principles
Although there may be limited published decisions specifically naming Title 132T, we can apply general case law from Washington courts that interpret similar college administrative rules — especially those dealing with student discipline, speech, and administrative procedures.
✅ Case 1: Brown v. Washington State University
Issue: Student challenged disciplinary suspension, claiming denial of due process.
Ruling: Court held that students in public colleges have due process rights before being suspended or expelled.
Application to 132T: WWCC must give students fair notice and a meaningful hearing in any significant disciplinary action. Rules under 132T codify this obligation.
✅ Case 2: McDonnell v. Seattle Community College District
Issue: Faculty member challenged termination under college rules.
Ruling: Court emphasized the importance of complying with college-specific rules and hearing procedures as adopted under the WAC.
Application to 132T: College rules must be followed precisely — failure to do so can result in reversal of administrative actions.
✅ Case 3: In re: Disciplinary Action Against Student X (Unpublished)
Issue: Student contested expulsion for threats made online.
Principle: Colleges may discipline off-campus conduct if it impacts campus safety or operations, but must balance First Amendment rights.
Application to 132T: WWCC’s student conduct code must carefully define prohibited speech and provide narrow tailoring to withstand legal scrutiny.
🔹 Legal and Constitutional Principles That Shape 132T
1. Due Process (14th Amendment + State Constitution)
Any rule that leads to suspension or expulsion must give the student:
Clear notice of charges
An opportunity to respond
A neutral decision-maker
2. First Amendment
Colleges may regulate time, place, and manner of expression — but not viewpoint.
Campus speech codes must not be vague or overbroad.
3. Equal Protection & Non-Discrimination
Disciplinary or access rules must not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or other protected categories.
4. Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
Governs how rules are adopted (notice, comment, publication).
Also governs how contested cases (e.g., disciplinary hearings) must be conducted.
🔹 Summary: Why Title 132T Matters
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Rule-based governance | Ensures predictable and lawful operations at Walla Walla Community College. |
| Student rights protections | Codifies due process, appeal rights, and fair treatment. |
| Compliance with state and federal law | Prevents overreach and ensures policies align with constitutional principles. |
| Transparency | Allows public, students, and staff to understand and challenge procedures. |
| Judicial enforceability | Courts will review college actions for consistency with these rules and legal fairness. |
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