Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

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

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Seventh Circuit
Head of Institution: Chancellor Samuel Goldman
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 62901-6899
618-453-2341
Website: http://www.siuc.edu

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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 Conduct Code: Harassment 09-10

Harassment is knowing conduct that is not necessary to accomplish a legitimate purpose, would cause a reasonable person emotional distress, and does cause another person distress. It results from intentional acts that cause someone to be worried, anxious or uncomfortable and need not involved any overt act of violence. Information obtained with the consent of an individual which is subsequently disclosed without consent of the same individual shall constitute harassment in violation of this code if such disclosure results in the humiliation or ridicule of the same individual. Intentional obstruction or substantial interference with any person’s right to attend or participate in any university function also constitutes harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 99 KB).

Policies of the Board of Trustees of SIU: Policy on Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment 09-10

Discriminatory harassment includes, but is not limited to, conduct (oral, written, graphics or physical) directed against any person or group of persons because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran's status that has the purpose of or reasonably foreseeable effect of creating an offensive, demeaning, intimidating or hostile environment for that person or group of persons. Such conduct includes but is not limited to objectionable epithets demeaning depictions or treatment and threatened or actual abuse or harm.
View full policy (PDF, 520 KB).

Policy on Sexual Harassment 09-10

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal or other expressive behaviors, or physical conduct commonly understood to be of a sexual nature, when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's status as a student or employee or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
Examples of behavior that may be considered sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following: ... a pattern of conduct, annoying or humiliating in a sexual way, that includes comments of a sexual nature and/or sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes, or anecdotes; a pattern of conduct that would annoy or humiliate a reasonable person at whom the conduct was obviously directed. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to gestures, facial expressions, speech, or physical contact understood to be sexual in nature or which is repeated after the individual signifies that the conduct is perceived to be sexually offensive.
View full policy (PDF, 63 KB).

Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)

Office of Diversity and Equity: Committee on Diversity and Tolerance 09-10

What is a Bias Incident?

A bias incident is an act of conduct, speech or expression to which a bias motive is evident as a contributing factor. While it does not reach the level of a crime, it is directed at a person of a different group with the intent to cause distress. Example: Defacing a bulletin board with slurs.

What is Hate Speech?

Hate speech is a description that perceives inferiority of the targeted group by denying or belittling their humanity. It is directed at a person of a different identity group and includes references to these differences with the intent to cause distress. It typically contains recognizable slurs against the targeted group.

How do I know if I am a victim?

If you feel threatened or disrespected, you are a victim. Contact the Office of Diversity and Equity, home of the CODT, for more information.
View full policy (PDF, 38 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Student Conduct Code: The Saluki Creed 09-10

Choosing to join the community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior.

As members of our University community, we commit ourselves to the ideals of SIUC and express our commitment through the following creed: ... I will discourage bigotry and celebrate diversity by striving to learn from differences in people’s ideas, and opinions. I will embrace the ideals of freedom of civilized expression, intellectual inquiry, and respect for others.
View full policy (PDF, 99 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Demonstrations: Regulations and Procedures 09-10

Events Outside of Designated Public Forum Areas

Individuals, organizations, and groups of persons seeking to engage in noncommercial free expression on property owned and/or controlled by the University may do so in accordance with the Standards of Respect and Civility in the University Learning Community, as noted above.
Area A: The Free Forum Area, located south of Anthony Hall, north of McAndrew Stadium, between Parking Lot 10B on the east and the Parking Garage Lot 112 on the west, has been designated as a public forum for free expression. Any member of the public or the University community may use this area for free expression on a first-come, first-serve basis, provided that the area has not been reserved. Members of the public and University community who wish to reserve this area may do so by contacting the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs 24 hours in advance. Commercial activities associated with the event require advance approval from the Student Center Scheduling Office. Amplified sound is permitted if used so as not to interfere with classes, events, ceremonies, or operations of the University.

Area B: The lawn located north of Morris Library and south and west of Parking Lot 6 has been designated as a public forum for noncommercial free expression. Any member of the public or the University community may use this area for free expression on a first-come, first-serve basis, provided that the area has not been reserved. Members of the public and University community who wish to reserve this area may do so by contacting the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs 24 hours in advance. Amplified sound is not permitted.
View full policy (PDF, 27 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Use Policy for SIUC Network-Based Services 09-10

E-mail and Newsgroup Usage ... Obscenities or other forms of harassment are prohibited.
View full policy (PDF, 32 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Student-Operated Media 09-10

As a guiding principle for general content, such student-operated media shall strive to maintain relevance to SIUC, its purposes and goals as a university, and the customs, attitudes, and goals of the student body, student staff, and faculty/staff.
View full policy (PDF, 38 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Conduct Code: Student Rights and Responsibilities 09-10

A student has the right to participate in a free exchange of ideas, and there shall be no University policy that in any way abridges the rights of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and procedural due process.
View full policy (PDF, 99 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in August 2009. 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.