School Spotlight
California State University – Long Beach
Speech Code Rating
Campus Regulations: Standards for Student Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: August 28, 2021Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon the University, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and to contribute positively to student and University life. Read MoreExecutive Order 1097: Systemwide Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Against Students and Systemwide Procedure for Handling Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Complaints by Students
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: August 28, 2021Harassment means unwelcome conduct, based on the Complainant’s Protected Status, that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered by a reasonable person in the shoes of the Complainant, and is in fact considered by the Complainant, as limiting her/his... Read MoreCampus Regulations: Standards for Student Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: August 28, 2021The following are the grounds upon which student discipline can be based: … misuse of computer facilities or resources, including: … use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or intimidating and abusive messages Read MoreCampus Regulations: Time, Place and Manner- Free Speech, Expression, Demonstrations, Protests, Rallies and Other Public Assemblies on University Property
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: August 28, 2021Individuals and groups may assemble on University property generally open to the public (as specified in this regulation) to engage in non-amplified speech and expression, including the solicitation of signatures on noncommercial petitions, provided such activity does not disrupt the functions, operations and events... Read MoreCampus Regulations: Standards for Student Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: August 28, 2021The following are the grounds upon which student discipline can be based: … Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person within or related to the University community, including physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or sexual misconduct Read MoreExecutive Order 1097: Systemwide Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Against Students and Systemwide Procedure for Handling Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Complaints by Students- Addendum B
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: August 28, 2021Sexual Harassment means conduct on the basis of Sex that satisfies one or more of the following: … Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to an Education Program or Activity. Read MoreCampus Regulations: Time, Place and Manner- Distribution of Printed Non-Commercial Material
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: August 28, 2021Non-commercial printed material may be distributed on University property or at official University functions subject to the following provisions: 1. On University grounds that are generally open to the public (as specified in this regulation), literature may be distributed as follows: • The free flow of pedestrian ... Read MoreAcceptable Use of CSULB Electronic Communications Systems and Services
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: August 28, 2021Examples of prohibited use include but are not limited to: … Transmission of threats, harassment or defamation Read More
California State University, Long Beach: Student On Probation For Email Criticizing Administrators
October 22, 2021
In September 2021, CSULB graduate student Aqsa Khan sent an email criticizing the psychology department. CSULB found her responsible for sending obscene or abusive and intimidating messages and using campus resources to interfere with others’ work. On October 20, FIRE wrote CSULB, arguing that Khan’s criticism of the university is protected by the First Amendment…. Read more
California State University, Long Beach: Censorship of Play Satirizing Racial Stereotypes
September 28, 2016
On August 22, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) cancelled a September 29 performance of the play N*GGER WETB*CK CH*NK (N*W*C*) due to apparent opposition to its deliberately provocative content.
California State University, Long Beach: Moratorium on New Student Organizations
August 18, 2016
As early as September 2015, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) imposed a moratorium on recognizing any new student organization.
Cal State, Long Beach grad student put on probation for email criticizing administrators
October 22, 2021
Aqsa Khan, a masters student at California State University, Long Beach, felt frustrated with her psychology graduate program. She had concerns with the department administrators’ treatment of minority students and a recent hiring decision. After bringing her issues to administrators, she was disappointed by their lack of response. Feeling as though she was left with… Read more
Cal State Long Beach’s response to anti-police brutality exhibit and firing of director raise questions about artistic freedom
September 21, 2018
At California State University, Long Beach, artist lauren woods’ exhibit on racism and police violence, “American Monument,” has been “paused” but “not pulled” at its opening. The artist announced a halt to the installation in response to the firing of University Art Museum executive director Kimberli Meyer. Additionally, woods reports that, in the months prior… Read more
REPORT: Artists clash with campus censors
July 10, 2018
Art purged for being “one-sided,” among other excuses Censors, often not understanding the message, ban art rather than grapple with its meaning PHILADELPHIA, July 10, 2018 — Art censorship is nothing new. Spanish conquistadors smashed ceramics of ancient Peruvian cultures that portrayed gay and lesbian sex. The Roman Catholic Church of the 15th century was… Read more
FIRE Announces America’s 10 Worst Colleges for Free Speech: 2017
February 22, 2017
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 22, 2017—More than 92 percent of American colleges maintain speech codes that either clearly restrict—or could too easily be used to restrict—free speech. Each year, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) takes a closer look at campus censorship to identify America’s 10 worst colleges for free speech. The 2017 list of… Read more
FIRE, NCAC, and DLDF Demand Cal State Long Beach Reverse Censorship of Play
September 28, 2016
LONG BEACH, Calif., September 28, 2016—As issues of race and justice take on particular urgency in the national conversation, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), and the Dramatists Legal Defense Fund (DLDF) are calling on California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) to reverse its censorship of a… Read more
CSU Long Beach Administrators Refuse to Recognize Any New Student Organization [UPDATED]
August 19, 2016
Yesterday marked the first day of the fall semester at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), but students there cannot form new student organizations due to administrators’ “moratorium” on recognizing new organizations—a “temporary” restriction that has lasted since at least September of 2015. The unexplained moratorium means that students who want to start a new… Read more
Cal State’s Mass Derecognition of Christian Student Groups Draws Criticism from FIRE Chairman, Board Member
September 19, 2014
To close out a busy week here at FIRE, FIRE Chairman and Co-founder Harvey Silverglate has an insightful opinion piece in today’s Wall Street Journal about the California State University System’s recent decision to withdraw recognition from the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the system’s 23 campuses, which enroll nearly 447,000 students. As Harvey writes, Cal… Read more
At CSU Long Beach, Petition Drive Nearly Results in Firing of Student Editor
May 23, 2011
A drama over press freedom has come to an end at California State University – Long Beach (CSULB) recently, when members of CSULB’s student government thought better of a petition to remove Kevin O’Brien as editor in chief of the Union Weekly, a student fee-funded opinion and humor magazine, on the basis of articles found offensive by members… Read more