Fort Hays State University
Location: Hays, Kansas
Website: http://fhsu.edu
Type: Public
Federal Circuit: 10th Circuit
Speech Code Rating
Fort Hays State 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 here.
Judicial Affairs: Gender-based Violence Definitions
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 27, 2017Harassment includes, but is not limited to, verbal, physical or written behavior directed toward or relating to an individual or group on the basis of their protected class status which has the purpose or effect of:
- creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment;
- interfering with an individual’s work, academic performance, living environment, personal security or participation in university-sponsored activities;
- threatening an individual’s employment or academic opportunities.
Acceptable Use of Computing Resources
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: September 27, 2017In making appropriate use of computing resources, individuals should avoid: … Using e-mail or message services to harass, intimidate, threaten, or otherwise annoy another person by use of sexual or bigoted content or content which poses an imminent threat to the life or safety of the person or persons receiving the communication.
Campus Posting Policy
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: September 27, 2017All posters and flyers to be displayed on Fort Hays State University’s campus must conform to the University’s Student Code of Conduct and not contain any obscene and demeaning sexual content, and any racial, or other discriminatory reference.
Student Organization Handbook: Dissent and Protest
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: September 27, 2017Part of the freedom in the academic community is the student’s right to orderly dissent and protest against any decision or issue. This right to demonstrate does not include using means or procedures which disrupt the on-going functions of the University, nor endanger the health, safety, or well-being of any citizen in the on- or off-campus communities. Individuals wishing to express their concerns should confer with the Vice President for Student Affairs regarding procedural policy and appropriateness of their proposed actions.
Residential Life Handbook: Assault/Harassment
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 27, 2017Verbal, physical, or written abuse/harassment (including, but not limited to, racial, ethnic, or sexist slurs) will not be tolerated. Courtesy and respect are to be given to all students. The following behaviors by residents are strictly prohibited:
• Verbal or written abuse – this includes electronic forms of communication
• Physical intimidations or menacing behavior directed at others
• Display of visual materials that demeans or humiliates others
• Violations may result in dismissal from the residence halls and University disciplinary action, including the possibility of suspension.Residential Life Handbook: Community Standards
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: September 27, 2017Bigotry and hatred will be given no home within our residential community. While each of us has the right to our own personal beliefs, these beliefs in no way give us the right to denigrate another on the basis of his/her age, physical handicap, national origin, sexual orientation, race, gender, or religious affiliation. Our communities will not tolerate verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, violence, or other forms of harassment against residents, FHSU staff, or visitors. In addition, we cannot accept ignorance, false humor, anger, alcohol, or substance abuse as an excuse, reason, or rationale for such behavior.
Judicial Affairs: Gender-based Violence Definitions
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 27, 2017Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual – or gender-based verbal, written, online, and/or physical conduct. Sexual harassment creates a hostile environment and may be disciplined when it is sufficiently severe, pervasive, persistent, or objectively offensive that it:
- has the effect of unreasonably interfering with, denying, or limiting employment opportunities or the ability to participate in or benefit from the university’s educational, social, and/or residential program, or is based on power differentials (quid pro quo), the creation of a hostile environment, or retaliation.
Student Code of Conduct: Statement on Student Rights & Responsibilities
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: September 27, 2017Fort Hays State University exists for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students and the general well being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of the Fort Hays State University academic community, students shall be encouraged to develop the search for truth.
