School Spotlight

Florida Gulf Coast University

Location: Fort Myers, Florida
Type: Public
Tell Florida Gulf Coast University to revise its speech policies by filling out this form.

Speech Code Rating

Florida Gulf Coast 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.

  • FGCU POLICY 3.021: University Email System

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: March 16, 2021

    The following are inappropriate uses of the University Email System. Items of this nature should not be sent. This list is not exhaustive, but contains key items that will be deemed inappropriate use of the University Email System: a. Use of materials that contains explicit sexual content that are not necessary for ... Read More

  • FGCU-PR1.003: Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Regulation

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: March 16, 2021

    Harassment: Unwelcome conduct, including electronic and written communication, that is based upon race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, and/or veteran status. Harassment is further defined as behavi... Read More

  • Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance: Discrimination, Bias and Hate Crimes- Helpful Definitions

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: March 16, 2021

    Harassment: Unwelcome conduct, including electronic and written communication that is based upon race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, and/or veteran status. Harassment is further defined as behavio... Read More

  • FGCU POLICY 1.015: Sexual Harassment Under Title IX

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: March 16, 2021

    Sexual Harassment: Conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one (1) 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 the University’s Education Program or Activity; … Read More

  • FGCU POLICY 4.007: Postings and Solicitation on Campus

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: March 16, 2021

    Public Bulletin Boards and other designated locations are provided in order to post notices, advertisements, and solicitation materials. Public Bulletin Boards will be identified clearly with appropriate signage. The locations of public Bulletin Boards will be provided by the Office of Student Involvement. No approv... Read More

  • FGCU-PR9.004: Public Expression and Assembly

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: March 16, 2021

    Persons engaged in protected speech occurring in public spaces must follow all applicable University Policies and Regulations. An event that requires use of University resources including but not limited to sound amplification, reservable spaces, and security must go through the normal scheduling and coordination pr... Read More

  • FGCU-PR4.002: Student Code of Conduct and Student Conduct Review Process- Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: January 9, 2020

    Harassment: Conduct, including electronic or written communication, which is so severe or sufficiently persistent or pervasive, that it either undermines the roles of faculty and staff or so detracts from the educational experience of another Student such that a reasonable person, similarly situated, would be advers... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been publicly involved in any cases at this school.

  • Yes, Resident Assistants Have Free Speech Rights Too

    August 21, 2012

    About this time last year, I put out a pair of Torch posts advising students about the importance of knowing their rights on campus and being able to protect themselves in the event their rights are violated. With the new school year around the corner, now would be a good time for both returning and… Read more

  • Speech Code of the Month: Florida Gulf Coast University

    April 5, 2007

    FIRE announces its Speech Code of the Month for April 2007: Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). FGCU is a public institution, bound by the First Amendment. FGCU’s “Personal Abuse” policy prohibits “lewd, indecent, racist, prejudice [sic], obscene, or expressions deemed inappropriate.” This policy is unconstitutional on so many levels that it is almost hard to… Read more