California State University - San Bernardino

Branch Campus of a School System

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
Special Status: None
Federal Circuit: Ninth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Albert K. Karnig
California State University - San Bernardino
President's Office
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Website: http://www.csusb.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.

Policies on Diversity and Multiculturalism (Learn More)

No policies found.

Protected Group Harassment Policies (Learn More)

No policies found.

Sexual Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Sexual Harassment 07-08
Sexual harassment may include the following:
1. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct
of a sexual nature directed towards an employee, student, or applicant. For example:
a. Making unsolicited written, verbal, physical and/or visual contact
with sexual overtones. (Written examples: suggestive or obscene
letters, notes, solicitations, electronic mail. Verbal examples:
derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, epithets (name-calling). Physical
examples: assault, inappropriate touching, impeding or blocking
movement. Visual examples: gestures, display of sexually suggestive
objects or pictures, cartoons, or posters.)
b. Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the
interest is unwelcome. (Reciprocal attraction is not considered sexual
harassment.)[...]
4. Conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of interfering with a student’s academic performance, creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive or otherwise adverse learning environment, or adversely affecting any student.
View full policy (PDF, 81 KB).

General Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Office of Housing and Residential Life Policies and Procedures: Harassment 07-08
Verbal, written, electronic, physical and/or any other types of harassment is prohibited. This is defined as any behavior by any member of the community or guest towards an individual or group, which seriously threatens or alarms a person or group. This shall include but is not limited to posted materials; harassment related to race, gender, sexual orientation, or of a sexual nature; other Title VII claims of unlawful harassment; abusive behavior identified as threats, malicious deeds, intimidation, heckling, badgering, abusive name calling and/or hazing.
View full policy (PDF, 128 KB).

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

Office of Housing and Residential Life Policies and Procedures: Lewd Conduct 07-08
Lewd, indecent, or obscene behaviors, whether through
conduct or expression, which are not civil or respectful and which breach the peace, within or on grounds immediately
adjacent to the on-campus housing facilities (including Serrano
Village, Arrowhead Village, and University Village) or at any housing related function are not permitted.
View full policy (PDF, 128 KB).
Office of Housing and Residential Life Policies and Procedures: Respect 07-08
Failure to show respect for community members and housing staff is not permitted.
View full policy (PDF, 128 KB).

Loyalty Oaths and Honor Codes (Learn More)

No policies found.

Mission Statements (Learn More)

No policies found.

Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)

No policies found.

Other Speech Codes (Learn More)

Acceptable Use, Electronic Communications 07-08
Users may not use campus computing or network services to threaten, harass, stalk, defame, or otherwise interfere with the legal rights of others.
View full policy (PDF, 81 KB).
Facilities Use 07-08
University buildings and grounds may be scheduled and resources and personnel used only for events
which are consistent with the goals, mission and current priorities of the university.
View full policy (PDF, 110 KB).
Office of Housing and Residential Life Policies and Procedures: Posting 07-08
All materials to be posted must be submitted and approved by the Office of Housing and Residential Life.
The Office of Housing and Residential Life reserves the right to remove from public view any signs or objects deemed to others or prejudicial to the overall goals of the University. [sic] This includes but is not limited to offensive or alcohol/drug-related materials.
View full policy (PDF, 128 KB).
Policy on Speech and Advocacy 07-08
2. Designated Free Speech Areas Requiring Prior Reservation: these designated areas require prior written reservation for use. A reservation must be made and confirmed with the appropriate venue scheduler in advance under the provisions as stated in Section I.A. above, and with the acknowledgment that a copy of the amplified sound guidelines has been attached. Amplified sound is allowed under the amplified sound guidelines that are available in the Office of Events Scheduling.

1. The patio area of the Commons Building

2. The grassy knoll (Coyote Corral) between the Lower Commons Plaza and the campus service road by Serrano Village

3. The grassy knoll west of the Physical Education Building and north of Jack Brown Hall

4. The south side of the Library (Note: no bands or DJ's allowed, except for Fall and Spring All-University Picnics)

5. Grass area west of the new Student Recreation and Fitness Center
1. Designated Free Speech Areas Requiring No Reservation: since some areas are better suited to facilitate open discussion, specially designated outdoor areas of the campus have been established. These areas do not require reservation. Tables, chairs, and amplified sounds are not permitted. The areas are designated as follows:

1. The current "Free Speech" area located north of the Administration Building

2. The immediate area around the flagpole by the Administration Building, within a 20 foot radius

3. The patio of the Biology Building

4. The patio of the Physical Sciences Building

5. The north entrance of the Library, no closer than 15 feet from the doors, without obstructing pathways for ingress and egress

6. The intersection of the path from the parking lot to the Library with the path from the Administration Building to the Commons without blocking pedestrian traffic
7. The immediate area to the north of the flagpoles at the main entrance to the University, within a 20 foot radius
View full policy (PDF, 85 KB).

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