Brandeis University

Undergraduate Non-Branch Campus

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
Special Status: None
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.

Policies on Diversity and Multiculturalism (Learn More)

No policies found.

Protected Group Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment 07-08
Harassment whether sexual or based on an individual’s protected class status (race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, disability, Vietnam Era veteran, qualified special, disabled veteran or other eligible veteran status) is a form of discrimination and will not be tolerated. It is regarded as harassment when 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.
View full policy (PDF, 563 KB).

Sexual Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Student Development and Conduct: Sexual Misconduct Info for Brandeis Students 07-08
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, 21 KB).
Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment 07-08
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, 563 KB).

General Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Respect for the Health, Safety, and Rights of Community Members 07-08
The University will not tolerate any behavior that intimidates,
threatens, harasses, physically harms (ex: hitting, pushing, or
physical altercations/violence of any kind (see also Section 7
on Harassment), invades personal privacy, or otherwise
endangers the health, safety or welfare of any other person or
oneself on or off campus.
View full policy (PDF, 1568 KB).

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

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Campus Demonstrations and Protests 07-08
All members of the community are expected to conduct dialogues with dignity and courtesy.
View full policy (PDF, 563 KB).

Loyalty Oaths and Honor Codes (Learn More)

No policies found.

Mission Statements (Learn More)

No policies found.

Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)

Mission Statement 07-08
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.
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.
View full policy (PDF, 41 KB).
Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Campus Demonstrations and Protests 07-08
The University community is one of inquiry and persuasion.
View full policy (PDF, 563 KB).

Other Speech Codes (Learn More)

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Library and Technology Services 07-08
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, 563 KB).
Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Use of Campus Facilities 07-08
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, 563 KB).

NOTE: You must have Adobe Acrobat installed to view policies in PDF format.

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