Syracuse University

Undergraduate Non-Branch Campus

A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.
Public or Private: Private
Special Status: None
Federal Circuit: Second Circuit
Head of Institution: Chancellor Nancy Cantor
Syracuse University
300 Tolley Administration Building
Syracuse, NY 13244
315-443-2235
chancellor@syr.edu
Website: http://www.syracuse.edu

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Do you have any information, updates, or changes regarding the policies at this institution? Let us know!

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

Policies on Diversity and Multiculturalism (Learn More)

No policies found.

Protected Group Harassment Policies (Learn More)

No policies found.

Sexual Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Student Handbook: Sexual Harassment 07-08
The Syracuse University Sexual Harassment
Policy, which covers activity both
on- and off-campus, provides the following
definition of sexual harassment:
Unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature
that relates to the gender or sexual
identity of an individual and that has
the purpose or effect of creating an
intimidating or hostile environment for
student, work, or social living.
Sexual harassment can be verbal, nonverbal,
or physical. It includes, but is
not limited to, the following:
Verbal or Written Harassment
• Sexual slurs, insults, or catcalls
• Sexual, sexist, or heterosexist (antigay
or anti-lesbian) remarks or jokes
about someone’s body, clothing, activities,
or sexual orientation
• Unwelcome sexual propositions, demands,
or pressure for sexual activities
• Unwelcome notes, emails, letters,
posters, etc.
• Requests for romantic or sexual relations
by a person in authority, combined
with an implicit or explicit
threat or reward
• Repeated requests for dates despite
being asked to stop

Nonverbal Harassment
• Sexually suggestive staring, leering,
sounds, or gestures
• Sexually suggestive or degrading images
or graffiti (such as on T-shirts,
posters, calendars, mugs, etc.)
• Use of such images to advertise events
View full policy (PDF, 25 KB).

General Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Code of Student Conduct 07-08
Harassment, whether physical or verbal, oral or written, which is
beyond the bounds of protected free speech, directed at a specific
individual(s), easily construed as “fighting words,” and likely to
cause an immediate breach of the peace.
View full policy (PDF, 115 KB).

Policies on Tolerance, Respect, Sensitivity, Hate, and Hate Speech (Learn More)

Division of Student Affairs: Protocol for Responding to Bias-Related Incidents 07-08
Bias-related incidents are defined as behavior, which constitutes an expression of hostility, against the person or property of another because of the targeted person's race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Bias-related incidents include, but are not limited to: non-threatening name calling and using degrading language or slurs directed toward a person because of his or her membership (or perceived membership) in a protected class.
View full policy (PDF, 82 KB).

Loyalty Oaths and Honor Codes (Learn More)

No policies found.

Mission Statements (Learn More)

Mission 07-08
View full policy (PDF, 6 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)

Student Handbook: Protests and Demonstrations 07-08
Syracuse University is committed to the principle that freedom of discussion is essential to the
search for truth and, consequently, welcomes and encourages the expression of dissent.
View full policy (PDF, 29 KB).

Other Speech Codes (Learn More)

Computing and Electronic Communications Policy 07-08
The following are examples of improper use of the Computer System:
[...]
Harassment: Harassing others by sending annoying, abusive, profane, threatening, defamatory or offensive messages is prohibited. Some examples include: obscene, threatening, or repeated unnecessary messages; sexually, ethnically, racially, or religiously offensive messages; continuing to send messages after a request to stop; and procedures that hinder a computer session.
View full policy (PDF, 66 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in January 2008. 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.

Below, FIRE has excerpted policies affecting freedom of association and materials related to mandatory student orientations. Please note that the materials below this line do not affect a college or university's Speech Code Rating.

Mandatory Student Orientation Materials

No policies found.

Student Fee Policies Affecting Freedom of Association

No policies found.

Other Policies Restricting Freedom of Association

No policies found.