University of Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Non-Branch Campus
Green light institutions are those colleges and universities whose policies nominally protect free speech. Read more here.
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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)
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Guide to the University of Pennsylvania Sexual Harassment Policy 08-09
Sexual harassment can be exhibited using three types of behaviors - verbal, non-verbal behaviors and gestures, and physical contact . Some types of verbal behavior that might constitute sexual harassment, especially when occurring in combination with offensive touching are:
* Continuous and persistent sexual slurs or sexual innuendoes
* Offensive and persistent risqué jokes or kidding about sex or gender-specific traits
* Repeated unsolicited propositions for dates and/or sexual relations
Gestures or non-verbal behaviors might also be considered sexual harassment where they are persistent, severe, and offensive. Examples may include:
* Sexual looks and lewd gestures, such as leering or ogling with suggestive overtones
* Touching oneself sexually or persistent and unwelcome flirting
* Displaying sexually suggestive pictures, calendars, or posters
* Stalking
The Pennbook: Sexual Harassment Policy 08-09
For the purposes of University policy, the term “sexual harassment” refers to any unwanted sexual attention that:
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2. Has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance; and/or;
3. Creates an intimidating or offensive academic, living or work environment.
Not every act that might be offensive to an individual or a group necessarily will be considered as harassment and/or a violation of the University’s standard of conduct. In determining whether an act constitutes harassment, the totality of the circumstances that pertain to any given incident in its context must be carefully reviewed and due consideration must be given to the protection of individual rights, freedom of speech, academic freedom and advocacy.
We expect members of our University community to demonstrate a basic generosity of spirit that precludes expressions of bigotry.
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Policies on Tolerance, Respect, Sensitivity, Hate, and Hate Speech (Learn More)
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Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)
The Pennbook: Code of Student Conduct 08-09
Membership in the University of Pennsylvania community affords every student certain rights that are essential to the University's educational mission and its character as a community: ... The right to freedom of thought and expression.
The University condemns hate speech, epithets, and racial, ethnic, sexual and religious slurs. However, the content of student speech or expression is not by itself a basis for disciplinary action.
The Pennbook: Guidelines on Open Expression 08-09
The University of Pennsylvania, as a community of scholars, affirms, supports and cherishes the concepts of freedom of thought, inquiry, speech, and lawful assembly. The freedom to experiment, to present and examine alternative data and theories; the freedom to hear, express, and debate various views; and the freedom to voice criticism of existing practices and values are fundamental rights that must be upheld and practiced by the University in a free society.
The Pennbook: Use of Facilities 08-09
Depending on the location of an outdoor event, on scheduled classes in nearby buildings, and on the proximity of offices in use, non-conflicting activities should be scheduled by prior arrangements with the Perelman Quad and VPUL Facilities staff.
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in May 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.
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
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Student Fee Policies Affecting Freedom of Association
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Other Policies Restricting Freedom of Association
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Free Speech Zones
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Posting Policies
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Internet Usage Policies
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Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
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