Johns Hopkins 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: Fourth Circuit
Head of Institution: President William R. Brody
Johns Hopkins University
Office of the President
3400 North Charles Street
243 Garland Hall
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-516-8068
wrbrody@jhu.edu
Website: http://www.jhu.edu

» Return to School Overview

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)

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action: Sexual Harassment Prevention and Resolution Program 06-07
It is not, therefore, the University's purpose, in promulgating this policy to inhibit free speech or the free communication of ideas by members of the academic community.
Sexual harassment, whether between people of different sexes or the
same sex, is defined to include, but is not limited to, unwelcome
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other behavior of a
sexual nature when:
[...]
3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably
interfering with an individual's work or academic performance
or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or
educational environment.
View full policy (PDF, 47 KB).

General Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Anti-Harassment Policy 06-07
Harassment when directed at an individual because of his/her gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic may include, but is not limited to: unwanted physical contact; use of epithets, inappropriate jokes, comments or innuendos; obscene or harassing telephone calls, e-mails, letters, notes or other forms of communication; and, any conduct that may create a hostile working or academic environment.
Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to: unwelcome sexual advances; demands/threats for sexual favors or actions; posting, distributing, or displaying sexual pictures or objects; suggestive gestures, sounds or stares; unwelcome physical contact; sending/forwarding inappropriate e-mails of a sexual or offensive nature; inappropriate jokes, comments or innuendos of a sexual nature; obscene or harassing telephone calls, e-mails, letters, notes or other forms of communication; and any conduct of a sexual nature that may create a hostile working or educational environment.
View full policy (PDF, 33 KB).
Student Handbook: Student Technology Services Policies 06-07
Examples of inappropriate activities include (but are not limited to):

Harassment

* sending unsolicited e-mail, junk mail, or propagating chain letters;
[...]
* ethnic, racial, and sexual harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 80 KB).

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

Principles for Ensuring Equity, Civility and Respect for All 06-07
Rude, disrespectful behavior is unwelcome and will not be tolerated.
Our community is one where we demonstrate respect for each other; we accept our individual differences; and we provide opportunities for everyone to maximize his or her potential. Every member of our community will be held accountable for creating a welcoming workplace for all.
View full policy (PDF, 11 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)

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action: Sexual Harassment Prevention and Resolution Program 06-07
Fundamental to the University's purpose is the free and open
exchange of ideas.
View full policy (PDF, 47 KB).

Other Speech Codes (Learn More)

Information Technology Use Policies 06-07
Unacceptable use of IT Resources includes, but is not
limited to:
[...]
c. Harassing others by sending annoying, abusive,
profane, threatening, defamatory, offensive, or
unnecessarily repetitive messages, or by sending e-mails
that appear to come from someone other than the
sender
[...]
h. Intentional, non-incidental acquisition, storage, and/or display of sexually explicit images, except for acknowledged, legitimate medical, scholarly, educational, or forensic purposes. Exposure and/or display of such material may be offensive, constitute sexual harassment or create a hostile work environment
View full policy (PDF, 130 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 June 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

Being a Student Organization 06-07
To be recognized, student groups must: [...] Be open to all persons of the University community without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, citizenship, or handicap. Title IX of the Federal Educational Amendment of 1972 exempts fraternities and sororities from the requirement that membership in their groups be open to all persons regardless of gender.
View full policy (PDF, 109 KB).