William Paterson University

A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Third Circuit
Head of Institution: President Arnold Speert
William Paterson University
Hobart Manor Room #114
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-720-2222
speerta@wpunj.edu
Website: http://ww2.wpunj.edu/

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On this page, FIRE has excerpted policies that address speech and expression. You may download the full policy in .pdf form, below.

Restrictions on Expressive Rights

Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Student Handbook: Policies and Procedures - Sexual Harassment 09-10

Sexual harassment encompasses any sexual attention that is unwanted. Sexual harassment
can be verbal, visual, or physical. It can range from repeated unwelcome sexual flirtation
and inappropriate gender based put downs of individuals or groups of people to physical
abuses, such as sexual assault or rape.
Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to:
Gender Harassment: generalized gender based remarks and behavior
Seductive Behavior: inappropriate, unwanted, and offensive physical or verbal sexual
advances ....
View full policy (PDF, 58 KB).

Posting Policies

Student Handbook: Residence Life Regulations- Sign Policy 09-10

The University reserves the right to remove any sign/posting on
public display (including residence hall windows) that is considered against the
mission of the University. Examples include, but are not limited to, those
considered sexually, racially, or ethnically offensive. Posting must be authorized
through the Residence Life Central Office in the lower level of White Hall.
View full policy (PDF, 32 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Misuse of Information Technology Resource Privileges 09-10

The University characterizes misuse of computing and information resources and privileges as unethical and unacceptable and as just cause for taking disciplinary action. Misuse of computing and information resources and privileges includes, but is not restricted to, the following: ... Using the University's Computer resources including Internet presence to submit, publish, display, transmit, or intentionally receive information which: ... contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, profane, threatening, racially offensive, or otherwise biased.
View full policy (PDF, 78 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct- Proscribed Conduct 09-10

Any other action by a student or recognized student group on or off campus that, in
the judgment of University officials, has an adverse effect on the University.
Disorderly conduct, which is behavior that annoys, alarms, or is disruptive of normal
University business or activity.
View full policy (PDF, 43 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Handbook: Demonstration Guidelines and Procedures 09-10

Because not all conditions, events, or actions that stimulate dissent may themselves be
foreseeable, and because demonstrations may emerge under such circumstances, there is
an expectation that spontaneous demonstrations occur from time to time.
Recognizing that a healthy and
productive climate for debate involves a provision for criticism and dissent,
the University affirms the right of those including students, faculty, staff, and members of
the public who dissent from conditions, issues, or proposed actions to express their views
by whatever orderly means they deem appropriate, preserving the rights of others to their
beliefs and opinions. Protest and dissent by verbal and other symbolic means are,
therefore, protected.
View full policy (PDF, 44 KB).

Student Handbook: Policies and Procedures - Student Rights and Responsibilities 09-10

Students and student organizations should be free to examine and discuss all questions
of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. They should always be
free to support, by orderly means, causes that do not disrupt the regular and essential
operations of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 33 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in October 2009. According to FIRE’s research the substantive policies are current at least until this date. Directory information, including the name of the president of the college or university, may have been updated more recently. If any policy has been revised, or if you believe that we are in error, please contact us.