Brandeis University

A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.

Public or Private: Private
Federal Circuit: First Circuit
Head of Institution: President Jehuda Reinharz
Brandeis University
Office of the President
415 South Street
MS 100
Waltham, MA 02454
781-736-3001
jreinharz@brandeis.edu
Website: http://www.brandeis.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.

Restrictions on Expressive Rights

Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment 09-10

It is regarded as
harassment when the conduct has the purpose or effect of
unreasonably interfering with a person's education or work
performance by creating an intimidating, hostile or
offensive environment in which to work, study or live; or
otherwise adversely affects a person's employment or
educational opportunities.
There are other forms of
harassment/discrimination as well that create a hostile
educational or work environment on the basis of race,
color, ancestry, religious creed, national or ethnic origin,
sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, genetic
information, disability, Vietnam Era veteran, qualified
disabled veteran or other eligible veteran status or status in
any group protected by federal or state law (together,
"protected class status").
Depending on the circumstances, the following are
examples of behaviors that may constitute
harassment/discrimination under this policy. This is not an
exhaustive list: Jokes, comments or innuendoes that make fun of,
denigrate or are based on an individual's or group's
protected class status; Epithets or slurs based on an individual's or group's
protected class status; Objects, posters, cartoons or pictures which make fun of,
denigrate or are based on an individual's or group's
protected class status whether directed to an individual,
placed on University premises or displayed or circulated
on campus; Displaying, sending, forwarding, downloading or
otherwise distributing materials via the Internet,
computer, or email that make fun of, denigrate or are
based on protected class status; Other verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or
shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or
group based on protected class status.
View full policy (PDF, 55 KB).

Student Development and Conduct: Sexual Misconduct Information 09-10

What is Sexual Harassment?

For example:

* subtle pressure for sexual activity
* unnecessary touches or contact
* offensive sexual graffiti or cartoons
* inappropriate sexual innuendoes
* verbal sexual abuse disguised as humor
* whistling, cat-calls, obscene gestures
View full policy (PDF, 63 KB).

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Respect for the Health, Safety, and Rights of Community Members 09-10

The University will not tolerate any and all behavior that a. intimidates
b. threatens
c. harasses (see also Section 7 on Harassment)
d. physically harms (examples: hitting, pushing, or
physical altercations/violence of and kind)
e. invades personal privacy, or
f. endangers the health, safety or welfare of any
other person or oneself on or off campus.
View full policy (PDF, 47 KB).

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment 09-10

Depending on the circumstances, conduct which may constitute sexual harassment includes but is not limited to: ... Unwelcome sexual conduct toward an individual, including offensive comments, touching or sexual propositions; Leering, making sexual gestures, touching, patting, pinching, rubbing, impeding or blocking movements, displaying of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons or posters, suggestive or obscene letters or emails, notes, invitations or gifts; Making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs or jokes with a sexual content; Persistent unsolicited and unwelcome invitations for dates, encounters, or pressure to engage in sexual activity of an implied or explicit nature;
Persistent inappropriate and unwelcome questions asked about personal life;
Comments to, or about, any individual or their appearance that is sexually graphic or would otherwise tend to be degrading;
Displaying, sending, forwarding, downloading or otherwise distributing sexual materials via the Internet, computer or email.
View full policy (PDF, 55 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Use of Campus Facilities 09-10

The University requires ten days advance notice for the reservation of space unless waived by the Department of Conference and Event Services. The University reserves the right to withhold its approval of any requested use of a facility, to establish financial charges for any use, and to require a security deposit or impose other such requirements including, but not limited to, security personnel and equipment.
View full policy (PDF, 42 KB).

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Campus Demonstrations and Protests 09-10

All members of the community are expected to conduct dialogues with dignity and courtesy.
The Dean of Student Life or the dean's designee must be
notified in advance of any planned demonstrations ....
View full policy (PDF, 33 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Library and Technology Services- Civility 09-10

Students must
not harass other students using computer or telephone
resources (harassment is unwelcome contacts with others.)
Material that is explicitly sexual or offensive may not be displayed, consistent with the Brandeis University Policy Statement on Non-discrimination and Harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 36 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Mission Statement 09-10

By being a nonsectarian university that welcomes students, teachers and staff of every nationality, religion and orientation, Brandeis renews the American heritage of cultural diversity, equal access to opportunity and freedom of expression.
In a world of challenging social and technological transformations, Brandeis remains a center of open inquiry and teaching, cherishing its independence from any doctrine or government.
View full policy (PDF, 76 KB).

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Campus Demonstrations and Protests 09-10

The University community is one of inquiry and persuasion.
View full policy (PDF, 33 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in June 2010. 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.