Southern Methodist University

Undergraduate Non-Branch Campus

Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. Read more here.
Public or Private: Private
Special Status: None
Federal Circuit: Fifth Circuit
Head of Institution: President R. Gerald Turner
Southern Methodist University
Office of the President
P.O. Box 750100
Dallas, TX 75205
214-768-3300
mjj@mail.smu.edu
Website: http://www.smu.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: Policy on Sexual Harassment 07-08
Sexual harassment includes such behavior as unwelcome or forced sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, psychological, and/or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward employees, students, or applicants, particularly when any of the following circumstances are present: [...]
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or which creates an intimidating, demeaning, hostile, or offensive residential, work, or academic environment.
View full policy (PDF, 180 KB).

General Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Student Handbook: Code of Conduct - Harassment 07-08
Due to the University’s commitment to freedom of speech and expression, harassment is more than insensitivity or conduct that offends or creates an uncomfortable situation for certain members of the community.
Any words or acts deliberately designed to disregard the safety or rights of another and which intimidate, degrade, demean, threaten, haze, or otherwise interfere with another person’s rightful action will not be tolerated on the basis of the standards of the SMU community. Such physical, psychological, verbal, electronic, and/or written acts directed toward an individual or group of individuals are prohibited and therefore may be subject to judicial action.
View full policy (PDF, 180 KB).

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

No policies found.

Loyalty Oaths and Honor Codes (Learn More)

No policies found.

Mission Statements (Learn More)

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Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)

Student Handbook: Student Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities 07-08
The student press is to be free of censorship except as applicable under appropriate laws.
All students of the University are citizens of the community and members of the University, and as such are guaranteed freedom of expression, inquiry, and assembly. Students have the right to organize groups or to join associations in support of any cause or common interest as long as that support is voiced in an orderly manner and place that does not disrupt the regular operations of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 180 KB).

Other Speech Codes (Learn More)

Residence Hall Policy Expectations 07-08
Bulletin boards are for the use of the Residence Hall Staff. Information authorized by the Department of Residence Life & Student Housing will be posted by the hall staff. Postings will be authorized only when there is clear evidence of University or student organization sponsorship. Authorization may be refused for postings deemed inappropriate under University policies and regulations or if found to be in bad taste/blatantly offensive to any group on campus including signs which display harassment or promote alcohol consumption. Signs advertising sales or off-campus job listings will not be approved, regardless of student organization sponsorship.
View full policy (PDF, 78 KB).
Student Handbook: Code of Conduct - Distribution of Written Materials 07-08
Any individual or agency wishing to distribute written material on the SMU campus must be sponsored by a University department or a student organization.
View full policy (PDF, 78 KB).
Student Handbook: Code of Conduct - Protests and Demonstrations 07-08
Peaceful demonstrations may take place on campus provided that:
[...]
a permit is obtained from the Director of Student Activities three (3) days prior to the demonstration to ensure the rights and safety of all involved.
View full policy (PDF, 180 KB).
Student Handbook: Code of Conduct - Signs and Posters 07-08
All signage posted on the University campus should uphold the rights of others, reflect responsible behavior, be conducive to the educational environment and uphold the integrity of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 180 KB).
Student Handbook: Computing and Communications Acceptable Use Policy 07-08
The following activities involving the use of University Computer Resources and Facilities (including computers, computer networks, connections to network services such as the Internet and web pages, subscriptions to external computing services, any peripheral devices, computer labs, computing centers, public access areas and any SMU-provided computing) are prohibited and may result, at a minimum, in the immediate denial of computer access and privileges:
[...]
* Transmitting unsolicited information that contains obscene, indecent, lewd or lascivious material.
View full policy (PDF, 180 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.