Washington University in St. Louis
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.
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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.
Policies on Diversity and Multiculturalism (Learn More)
No policies found.
Policy on Discriminatory Harassment 07-08
Discriminatory harassment is unwelcome and objectively offensive conduct that (a) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational environment, (b) is directed at a particular individual or individuals because of the individual's/individuals' race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or disability, and (c) is abusive or severely humiliating.
Policy on Sexual Harassment 07-08
Examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment include but are not limited to:
[...]
* use in the classroom of sexual jokes, stories or images in no way germane to the subject of the class
* remarks about a person's body or sexual relationships, activities or experience
* use of inappropriate body images to advertise events
Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favor or other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, whether committed on or off campus, when: [...] such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance or creating an intimidating or hostile environment for work or learning. Such conduct will typically be directed against a particular individual or individuals and will either be abusive or severely humiliating or will persist despite the objection of the person targeted by the speech or conduct.
Residential Life Policies & Procedures: Harassment 07-08
Washington University advocates a positive and safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Harassment is defined as any behavior or conduct that is injurious, or potentially injurious to a person's physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, as determined by the sole discretion of the University. Such behavior is subject to disciplinary action.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, Sensitivity, Hate, and Hate Speech (Learn More)
Residential Life: Hate Crime Protocol 07-08
Types of bias-related or hate incidents:
• Anonymous: These are incidents for which the identity of the offender cannot be easily determined (i.e. letters, posters, flyers, graffiti, telephone calls, etc.).
• Open: These are incidents for which the offender is known (i.e. name calling, open confrontations with individuals, jokes, etc.).
A bias-related or hate incident is an incident where the perpetrator engages in harmful actions based on prejudices and biases. When an incident of this nature occurs, it is not always legally considered a crime. Washington University in St. Louis and its members still assume the responsibility of responding to any action that offends or denigrates an individual on the basis of who he/she is or he/she is believed to be.
No policies found.
University Mission Statement 07-08
Advertised Commitments to Freedom of Speech (Learn More)
University Student Judicial Code: General Principles 07-08
Freedom of thought and expression is essential to the University's academic mission. Nothing in this Code should be construed to limit the free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints, even if that exchange proves to be offensive, distasteful, disturbing or denigrating to some.
Computer Use Policy 07-08
Electronic mail should adhere to the same standards of conduct as any other form of mail. Respect others you contact electronically by avoiding distasteful, inflammatory, harassing or otherwise unacceptable comments. (In an academic community, the free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints preserved by the concept of academic freedom may sometimes prove distasteful, disturbing or offensive to some. This policy is not intended to restrict such exchange.)
Residential Life Policies & Procedures: Posting Guidelines 07-08
No reference to alcohol or drugs is permissible; no sexist or discriminatory materials allowed. [...] Violations of this policy will result in materials being removed and sponsoring organizations being subject to disciplinary action.
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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.
