Tufts 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.
|
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.
No policies found.
Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action: Sexual Harassment Policy 07-08
As stated by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD):
"While it is not possible to list all those additional circumstances that outline sexual harassment, the following are some examples of conduct which if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment depending upon the totality of the circumstances including the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness":
lewd remarks, whistles, or personal reference to one's anatomy
unwanted physical contact such as patting, pinching, or constant brushing against a person's body
subtle or overt pressure for sexual favors
persistent and offensive sexual jokes and comments
persistent and unwanted requests for dates
e-mail messages of an offensive sexual nature.
Pachyderm: Sexual Harassment 07-08
Sexual harassment, whether between people of different sexes or the same sex, is
defined to include, but is not limited to: unwanted sexual advances, unwelcome
requests for sexual favors, and other behavior of a sexual nature when one of the
following occurs: [...] Such conduct,whether verbal or physical, has the purpose or effect of unreasonably
interfering with the individual’s academic or work performance or of creating an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment in which to work or to learn.
Pachyderm: Harassment 07-08
Harassment involves attitudes or opinions that are expressed verbally or in writ-
ing, or through behavior that constitutes a threat, intimidation, psychological
attack, or physical assault. Harassment is prohibited at Tufts and may result in
disciplinary consequences. Characterizing behavior as a prank or practical joke
does not change its harassing nature if the subject of the joke is not a willing or
active participant. Unwelcomed communications such as phone calls, misuse
of message boards, e-mail messages, and other behaviors calculated to annoy,
embarrass, or distress are harassing behavior and are prohibited.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, Sensitivity, Hate, and Hate Speech (Learn More)
Confronting Intolerance 07-08
This pamphlet describes some examples of insensitive, biased or harassing behavior and defines Tufts' policies in an effort to ensure all students equal membership in our community.
Some examples:
-using demeaning or derogatory slurs relating to group identity
-derogatory graffiti relating to group affiliation
-stereotyping of the experience and background skills of individuals based on their group identity
-treating people differently solely because of their appearance
-responding to behavior or situations differently because of the race, gender, or sexual identity of the participants
-making jokes about others' backgrounds
-imitating stereotypical speech or mannerisms
-expecting that one member of a group will speak as the representative for all members of that group
-defacing signs by using words or negative images associated with a group
-attributing objections to any of the above to the "hypersensitivity" of others who feel hurt
Dean's Office: Bias Initiative 07-08
Bias Incident - any act directed against a person or property that includes the use of slurs or epithets expressing bias on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Pachyderm: Perceived Acts of Intolerance and the Bias Education and Awareness Team 07-08
These incidents can include, but are not limited to: Using derogatory language or symbols relating to group identity [....]
An incident of intolerance is defined at Tufts as any act directed against a person
or property that involves the use of slurs, epithets, or symbols that a reasonable
person would interpret as expressing intolerance on the basis of race, gender, age,
religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability.
No policies found.
No policies found.
Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)
Pachyderm: A Message from the Dean of Student Affairs 07-08
All of us should cherish the chance to be
exposed to different values and different passions, even though balancing them
will at times create tension among us.There is no reason to think that we will
always agree with one another.We would not be an interesting campus if we all
held similar opinions about everything—or if we were not willing to engage in
difficult conversation with others whose views we find hard to understand.
[C]ivility can’t be required--it can
only be encouraged.
Pachyderm: Gatherings, Demonstrations and Disturbances 07-08
Tufts believes free inquiry and expression are indispensable in attaining the goals
of the university.
Tufts is an open campus committed to the free exchange of ideas. It is inevitable
that some programs and speakers will be offensive to some members of the community.
That offensiveness will not be seen as a reason to prevent the program.
In fact, the university will strive to uphold the right of a campus organization to
invite speakers or hold programs, even controversial ones, and to hold them
without interruption.
Pachyderm: Advertising 07-08
The policy on chalking, with the exceptions noted below, allows for the chalking
of messages on campus sidewalks. [...] No profanity or explicit sexual material. No defaming of groups or individuals because of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual
orientation, age, gender, veteran status, or disability.
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 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.
