Saint Xavier 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: Seventh Circuit
Head of Institution: President Judith A Dwyer
Saint Xavier University
Office of the President
Warde Academic Center, A225
3700 West 103rd Street
Chicago, IL 60655
773-298-3301
jadwyer@sxu.edu
Website: http://www.sxu.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 Handbook: Code of Student Conduct: Respect for Others 08-09

Hazing, harassment, racist behavior, defamation, retaliation, obscene language or actions, coercion, threats, endangering the safety of others, physical or psychological abuse or intimidation of any member of the Saint Xavier University community or others using its facilities, either in person or through electronic means.
Hazing, harassment, racist behavior, defamation, retaliation, obscene language or actions, coercion, threats, endangering the safety of others, physical or psychological abuse or intimidation of any member of the Saint Xavier University community or others using its facilities, either in person or through electronic means.
View full policy (PDF, 23 KB).

Student Handbook: Sexual Harassment Policy 08-09

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal, visual and physical conduct of a sexual
nature when any of the following criteria are met:
...
C. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially
interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance
by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Sexual harassment, as defined above, may include, but is not
limited to:
A. Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement of another
person.
...
C. -Displaying sexually explicit objects, photographs or drawings (except when warranted for legitimate academic purposes).
D. Making graphic or suggestive comments, propositions, sexual
gestures, obscene jokes, or demeaning sexual innuendoes.
The University will not accept as a defense to a claim of sexual
harassment that the alleged harasser did not intend to harass.
View full policy (PDF, 49 KB).

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

Student Handbook: Student Ethos Statement 08-09

all students are expected to contribute through their words, actions and commitments to the development and sustenance of a community characterized by respect, caring and justice.
Saint Xavier expects all members of the University community to act toward one another with sensitivity, consideration, understanding, appreciation, tolerance, civility and an active concern for the welfare of others. The University is particularly concerned that its members show respect for others regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation or nationality, and refrain from all forms of harassing or offensive behaviors that demean the inherent dignity of others.
View full policy (PDF, 37 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Student Handbook: Publicity (Printed Materials, Electronic Media, Campus Posting Policy) 08-09

Materials will not be approved if they contain:
1. Any reference to illegal substances.
2. Offensive language or images and/or graphic illustrations.
3. Language and/or graphic illustrations which dehumanize individuals based on race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin and/or disability.
4. Any information which would violate local, state or federal law or University policies.
View full policy (PDF, 51 KB).

Student Handbook: Acceptable Use 08-09

Never act in such a way that another user would feel uncomfortable accessing systems--for example, by sending or presenting harassing, intimidating, abusive or patently unwanted material to others. This includes presentation in messages, on screen and in print where others might see.
View full policy (PDF, 77 KB).

Student Handbook: Residence Hall Policies, Prohibited Items 08-09

The following items and actions are prohibited:
...
The use of profane, offensive, vulgar or derogatory language and/or photographs on the outside of room doors.
View full policy (PDF, 39 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Handbook: Political Activity 08-09

The policies of Saint Xavier University do not restrict the rights and privileges of faculty, staff, students, and recognized campus organizations to express their opinions freely, and the University is committed to preserving and encouraging a diversity of point-of-view and political opinion.
View full policy (PDF, 52 KB).

Student Handbook: Guest Speakers 08-09

The University recognizes its role as an educational stimulus and welcomes the opportunity to raise questions within the forum of the University community. While at times the issues raised may be controversial in nature, the University has continually stressed the validity and value of the inquiry process as well as the role it has in guaranteeing freedom of artistic expression.
View full policy (PDF, 51 KB).

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