School Spotlight

Delta State University

Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
Type: Public

Speech Code Rating

Delta State University has been given the speech code rating Green. Green light institutions are those colleges and universities whose policies nominally protect free speech. Read more

  • Student Handbook: Title IX Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: September 11, 2020

    Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent that it denies or limits or is likely to deny or limit a reasonable person’s ability to participate in or benefit from University programs, services, opportunities or activities. Sexual Harassment can include verbal or non-verb... Read More

  • University Policies Manual: Appropriate Use of Computing and Network Resources

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: September 7, 2020

    Free expression of ideas is central to the academic process. However, the University may remove any electronic information from its systems if it is determined that: The presence of the information involves illegality (e.g., copyrighted material, software used in violation of a license agreement). The information i... Read More

  • Freedom of Speech and Assembly

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: September 7, 2020

    Reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions will be enforced. However, the enforcement will not depend, in any way, on the subject matter involved in an expressive activity. It is strongly suggested that all activities be registered with the Vice President for Student Affairs’ office 48 hours in advance in order... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Code of Conduct – Offenses Against Persons

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: September 7, 2020

    Physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, sexual contact without permission, stalking, coercion and other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. This section is intended to include any contact or communication that threatens, harasses or injures a person Read More

  • Handbook for Student Organizations: Posting of Fliers and Banners

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: September 14, 2020

    Individuals and organizations may post fliers only on billboards and/or designated areas on the inside of university buildings. Materials may be removed if they are found to be in violation of state or federal law or other applicable university policies. … The following types of messages may not be advertised ... Read More

  • University Policies Manual: Student Rights

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: September 7, 2020

    All members of the Delta State University community have certain rights and responsibilities. These include: … The right to dissent. In other words, to carry on individual or organized activity which expresses grievances held against, or changes desired. This activity is carried on within the limits of the dem... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been publicly involved in any cases at this school.

  • 50 universities now earn FIRE’s highest rating for free speech

    July 16, 2019

    Last week, FIRE awarded Mississippi’s Delta State University our “green light” rating, meaning the school does not maintain any written policies that seriously infringe on student speech rights. Here at FIRE, we celebrate every time university leaders commit to respecting free speech on campus, but this green light is extra special: 50 college and universities… Read more

  • In Mississippi, ‘The Clarion-Ledger’ Reports on Dangers of State Colleges’ Speech Codes

    August 16, 2010

    In today’s edition of The Clarion-Ledger, the Jackson, Mississippi newspaper reports on speech codes maintained at public colleges statewide. Spurred by FIRE’s recent victory at nearby Hinds Community College, reporter Elizabeth Crisp writes: Students at Mississippi universities may have to watch what they say more than those in other states because of policies that free-speech… Read more

  • Speech Code of the Month: Delta State University

    July 1, 2008

    FIRE announces its Speech Code of the Month for July 2008: Delta State University. Delta State’s harassment policy provides that harassment occurs when the work or learning environment “is one that a reasonable person would objectively find hostile or abusive or one that the particular person who is the object of the harassment perceives to… Read more