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)
No policies found.
No policies found.
Student Handbook: Policy on Sexual Harassment 08-09
West Virginia University uses the EEOC definition of sexual harassment:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
[...]
(3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of:
(a) unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance; or
(b) creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
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....
All University faculty, students, and staff are expected to:
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avoid behavior that might be construed as sexual harassment....
Housing and Residential Education: Residential Education Policies- Harassment 08-09
Conduct that intimidates, threatens, or endangers the health or safety of any person is not permitted. This includes:
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* Behavior that intentionally or recklessly causes physical, financial, or emotional harm to any person;
* Intimidating, threatening, or other endangering behavior against a person or persons because of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin; and
* Behavior that is construed as a nuisance, including prank phone calls, and thereby disrupts the residence hall community.
Student Handbook: University Student Conduct Code 08-09
Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. Engaging in harassment or repeated unwanted contact, rising to the level of illegal harassment, including, but not limited to, stalking.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, Sensitivity, Hate, and Hate Speech (Learn More)
Strategic Plan for Achieving Social Justice 08-09
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...
Mountaineer Creed 08-09
As a Mountaineer, I Will:
* practice academic and personal integrity
* value wisdom and culture
* foster lifetime learning
* practice civic responsibility and good stewardship
* respect human dignity and cultural diversity
No policies found.
Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)
Freedom of Expression and Use of Facilities Policy 08-09
[T]he West Virginia University Board of Governors recognizes the
right of individuals to pursue their constitutional right of free speech and
assembly, and welcomes open dialogue as an opportunity to expand the
educational opportunities of our campus communities.
Student Handbook: University Student Conduct Code 08-09
All students at West Virginia University are citizens of the larger community, and as such are free to exercise their fundamental and constitutional rights.
Student Handbook: University Student Conduct Code 08-09
Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages.
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in September 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.
