

West Virginia University
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.
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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)
Strategic Plan for Achieving Social Justice 07-08
West Virginia University will be known for honoring the worth of every individual and sustaining an environment where all people are encouraged to achieve their full potential. This vision encompasses the following:
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* Students will be prepared with the principles of social justice competencies in order to function effectively in the global workplace;
* Faculty and staff will exemplify principles of social justice in fulfilling their responsibilities;
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Complaints of illegal discrimination, harassment, and abuses of social justice principles will be addressed in an objective and timely manner...
No policies found.
Sexual Harassment 07-08
Examples of conduct that may be considered sexual harassment include the following:
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* insults, humor, jokes and/or anecdotes that belittle or demean an individual's or a group's sexuality or sex;
* unwelcome sexual comments or inquiries about an individual's or a group's sexuality or sex;
* inappropriate displays of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, which may include but not be limited to posters, pin-ups, and calendars....
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
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Such conduct has the purpose or effect of:
unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance; or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment.
All University faculty, students, and staff are expected to:
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avoid behavior that might be construed as sexual harassment....
No policies found.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, Sensitivity, Hate, and Hate Speech (Learn More)
No policies found.
Mountaineer Creed 07-08
As a Mountaineer, I will:
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* practice civic responsibility and good stewardship
* respect human dignity and cultural diversity.
Mission of the University 07-08
Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)
Freedom of Expression and Use of Facilities Policy 07-08
First Amendment rights must always be applied in light of the special
characteristics of the higher education institutional environment. As in the case of
other public facilities, a higher education institution may place reasonable restrictions
on assemblies to protect safety and property, maintain normal operations, facilitate
campus traffic, and the like. In order to protect the rights of participants and
non-participants alike, as well as the core functions of the institution, reasonable
restrictions on time, place, and manner of speech are appropriate and necessary.
Section 3. Freedom of Expression, including speech and any other activity not
inconsistent with this policy, is a campus right and subject only to time, place
and manner provisions found in Section 5. The following is a non-exclusive list
of Freedom of Expression activities.
3.1 Symbolic speech, including, among other things, silent protest, wearing
expressive clothing, gesturing or standing may be conducted anywhere.
3.2 Signsmay be posted on bulletin boards designated for public use.
3.3 Written or printed materials may be distributed on the grounds outside of campus
buildings. Only students, faculty, staff and campus recognized organizations and
departments may distribute written or printed materials inside campus buildings, and
such groups and individuals must obtain a reservation in accordance with campus
reservation procedures.
3.4 Assemblies of persons may occur on any grounds on the campus outside of
buildings. Outdoor assembly areas, as designated by each campus, may be reserved
in advance for assemblies of persons with more than 50 participants 1. Students,
faculty, staff and campus recognized organizations and departments that wish to
assemble inside campus buildings must obtain a reservation in accordance with
campus facility reservation procedures
3.4.1 Each campus shall designate outdoor assembly areas in size and
configuration necessary to accommodate groups that desire to assemble.
3.4.2 The outdoor assembly areas are open to the public and do not require advance
reservation for use between 7:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. However, advance reservation is
strongly encouraged in order to ensure that a location is available at a specific date
and time. Reservations under this section, if any, are to be made in accordance with
Section 4 of this policy.
No policies found.
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in September 2007. 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
Sample Constitution 07-08
This organization will not deny membership on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin.