School Spotlight

Christopher Newport University

Location: Newport News, Virginia
Type: Public
Tell Christopher Newport University to revise its speech policies by filling out this form.

Speech Code Rating

Christopher Newport University has been given the speech code rating Yellow. Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. Read more
This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech. This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech. This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech.

  • Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct- Abusive Conduct

    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: November 29, 2018

    Abusive Conduct is defined as actions against one’s self or others that cause physical injury, intimidate, harass, threaten, or otherwise interfere with another person’s rightful actions. This includes but is not limited to, verbal abuse, abuse via electronic means (e.g. cyber bullying), and physical bat... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct- Obscene Conduct

    Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
    Last updated: November 29, 2018

    Obscene Conduct is defined as conduct or expression that is lewd or indecent that is not constitutionally protected speech. Read More

  • Student Handbook: Advertising & Posting

    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: November 29, 2018

    Advertising and posting guidelines are established to aid in the distribution of information throughout campus. Advertising and Postings that violate these guidelines may result in the removal of the violating materials; suspension or termination of an organization’s recognition status; responsibility for cleanup/re... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Freedom of Expression

    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: November 29, 2018

    Individuals and organizations wishing to exercise their freedom of speech or “the right of the People peaceably to assemble,” must register with the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students at least 24 hours in advance. Standard space reservation procedures must be followed. If notice is given less than 24... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation Policy and Procedures

    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: November 29, 2018

    Harassment is a form of discrimination in which unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct is directed toward an individual on the basis of his or her protected characteristics or statuses (race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, poli... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Basic Rights

    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: November 29, 2018

    Free inquiry, expression, and assembly are guaranteed to all students subject to the limitations of this document and other University regulations and policies, which are consistent with the provisions of the Constitutions and laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America. Read More

  • Student Handbook: Policies Regarding the Use of the University’s Computing and Communications Systems

    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: November 29, 2018

    Any and all use of Christopher Newport’s communication and computing resources must at all times conform to state and federal law, and to all applicable University policies and codes of conduct. Any conduct that is prohibited generally, is prohibited equally when it is accomplished by or through use of Univers... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been involved in any cases at this school.

  • Christopher Newport University releases “University Statement on Free Speech and Expression”

    December 5, 2018

    After gathering input from the campus community through discussion sessions and comment solicitation, Christopher Newport University has adopted its “University Statement on Free Speech and Expression.” The statement, which echoes the core values of the “Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression” at the University of Chicago (better known as the “Chicago Statement”), will… Read more

  • Victory for Free Speech: Christopher Newport University Revises Demonstration Policy

    September 26, 2012

    Last week, Christopher Newport University (CNU) censored student speech by preventing a student group, the Feminist Alliance, from protesting a campus appearance by Vice Presidential candidate Representative Paul Ryan. (Another group, the Gay-Straight Student Union, canceled its protest shortly thereafter.) Yesterday, in a welcome development, CNU President Paul Trible admitted his institution’s error and announced… Read more

  • FIRE Asks Christopher Newport University to Respect Student Protest, Repeal Free Speech Zone

    September 25, 2012

    In a letter sent yesterday, FIRE asked Christopher Newport University (CNU) President Paul Trible to immediately rescind restrictions on student demonstrations that prevented student groups from protesting a speech by Vice Presidential candidate Representative Paul Ryan last week. CNU’s indefensible decision silenced core political speech on a public university campus during election season—a deeply disappointing… Read more

  • Democracy on a Ten-Day Delay?

    September 24, 2012

    As the presidential election season accelerates rapidly both on and off campus, yet another story provides ample evidence of the folly of over-regulating student speech. Last Tuesday, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan visited the public Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Virginia to deliver an address. In the midst of a contentious campaign, one would think… Read more