University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Branch Campus of a School System

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
Special Status: None
Federal Circuit: First Circuit
Head of Institution: Chancellor Thomas W. Cole, Jr.
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
374 Whitmore Administration Building
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-2211
tcole@chancellor.umass.edu
Website: http://www.umass.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)

No policies found.

Sexual Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures 07-08
Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

[...]

3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or sexually offensive working or academic environment.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to the following:
· repeated unwanted sexual flirtations, advances or propositions;

· continued or repeated verbal abuse or innuendo of a sexual nature;
[...]
· verbal comments of a sexual nature about an individual’s body or sexual terms used to describe an individual;
· display of pictures, posters or cartoons that a reasonable person would find offensive or sexually suggestive;
· continued or repeated jokes, language, epithets or remarks of a sexual nature;
· prolonged staring or leering;
· making obscene gestures or suggestive or insulting sounds;
[....]
View full policy (PDF, 68 KB).

General Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Code of Student Conduct 07-08
The following shall constitute violations of the CSC:

1. "Harassment," which includes but is not limited to:
[...]
Conduct less than a physical attack or physical interference
which interferes with a person in the conduct of his or her customary or usual affairs, such as the posting of threatening
letters directed to the person, the use of threatening language
directed at another, harassing or threatening telephone calls, or
the vandalism of a person’s room (e.g., graffiti). The University
has special concern for incidents in which students are subject to
such conduct because of membership in a particular racial, religious, gender or sexual orientation group.
View full policy (PDF, 16 KB).
Housing and Residence Life: Policies and Guidelines- Harassment Policy 07-08
Harassment is a form of violence that consists of verbal and/or written invasion/violation of another person's rights. It can be racial, sexual, or personal in nature and may be expressed through graffiti, obscene telephone calls, or other means.
View full policy (PDF, 82 KB).

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

No policies found.

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)

Statement on Freedom of Speech 07-08
We recognize the need for all members of the University community—administrators, faculty, staff, and students—to reaffirm formally their profound commitment to freedom of speech and to clarify the implications of that commitment. In this context, freedom of speech encompasses all forms of communication as well as the freedom to listen, watch, protest, or otherwise participate in such communication. We believe it is our responsibility to espouse an atmosphere of free speech and free inquiry and to advocate for the timely discussion of a wide variety of issues. We believe, further, that vital intellectual discourse is essential to democracy and to ensuring a just society.
View full policy (PDF, 23 KB).

Other Speech Codes (Learn More)

Guidelines for Classroom Civility and Respect 07-08
Student behavior or speech that disrupts the instructional setting or is
clearly disrespectful of the instructor or fellow students will not be
tolerated. Disruptive conduct may include, but is not limited to:
1. rude or disrespectful behavior
2. unwarranted interruptions
3. failure to adhere to instructor's directions
4. vulgar or obscene language, slurs or other forms of intimidation
5. physically or verbally abusive behavior.
View full policy (PDF, 22 KB).
Regulations for Use of Property 07-08
Outdoor speeches and rallies during class hours may be held only on the west side (main entrance) of the Student Union Building, and shall be limited to one (a) hour in length, from noon to 1:00 P.M.
View full policy (PDF, 30 KB).

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