Clarion University of Pennsylvania

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 Joseph P Grunenwald
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Office of the President
Clarion, PA 16214
814-393-2220
jgrunenwald@clarion.edu
Website: http://www.clarion.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 Rights, Regulations, and Procedures: Sexual Harassment Policy 09-10

The standard of judgment is that of a reasonable person, that is, the victim must demonstrate that a reasonable
person would find the environment hostile and abusive.
Clarion University defines sexual harassment as follows:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature will
constitute sexual harassment when:
...
Such conduct is sufficiently pervasive or severe to have the effect of interfering with an
individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work
or academic environment.
Specific examples of sexual harassment would include, but are not limited to: sexually
suggestive gestures, comments, innuendoes, jokes or questions of a sexual nature; that are sufficiently
pervasive or severe to have the effect of stigmatizing, insulting, or ridiculing others on the basis of sex or
sexual orientation; implied or overt threats; the use of sexually explicit pictures, objects, or materials in class
room or work areas that have no legitimate or instructional purposes; unwelcomed letters, e-mail or phone
calls of a sexual nature; sexual graffiti or visuals; unwelcomed touching, pinching, or patting; repeatedly
asking for a date after the person has expressed disinterest; and pressure for sexual favors.
View full policy (PDF, 60 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Student Rights, Regulations, and Procedures: Peaceful Assembly Policy 09-10

Individuals wishing to organize a peaceful assembly must complete the Peaceful Assembly Space Request
Form located in the Events and Scheduling Office in consultation with the Director of Campus Life. Such events
are scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis, are restricted to the Gemmell Performance Area, except as noted
above, and must:
a. Have the completed Peaceful Assembly Space Request Form turned into the Events & Scheduling Office
at least 48 hours in advance of the start of the event ....
[I]n an effort to prevent the disruption of the normal conduct of university affairs, the endangerment
of the health and safety of individuals, and/or damage of property, the university hereby designates the Gemmell
outside performing area as the "Peaceful Assembly Area" on the Clarion campus and is unrestricted on time of day
or day of week. Alternative locations can be planned for an area on-campus, Monday through Friday after 7 p.m.,
that is no less than 50-feet away from an academic building or residence hall, or Saturday and Sunday, no
restrictions on time, but must be at least 50-feet away from an academic building or residence hall.
View full policy (PDF, 34 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Computer Network Use Policy 09-10

The use of computer systems, telecommunications facilities, networks or other electronic resources of the institution for the following purposes is deemed unacceptable: ... To abuse, defame, harass or threaten another individual or group. ... Other unauthorized acts or actions not in accordance with University policies, or not in the best interests of Clarion University.
View full policy (PDF, 80 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Rights, Regulations, and Procedures: Preamble 09-10

Clarion University of Pennsylvania exists for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable for the attainment of these goals.
View full policy (PDF, 39 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.