School Spotlight

Howard University
Speech Code Rating
Student Code of Conduct: Prohibited Behaviors
Speech Code Rating: Red
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: February 19, 2019Harassment Harassment is engaging in verbal, electronic, visual, written or physical behavior directed at an individual or group that, in the view of a reasonable person, is likely to provoke or otherwise result in a negative or injurious response, mental or emotional distress, or related reaction or consequence. Th... Read MoreStudent Code of Conduct: Prohibited Behaviors
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Bullying Policies
Last updated: February 19, 2019D. Bullying Unwanted, aggressive and/or hostile behavior, from an individual or group that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and that is intended to humiliate, mentally or physically injure or intimidate and/or control another individual or group of individuals. Bullying can be one single act or can be re... Read MoreStudent Handbook: Guidelines for Posting and Distribution of Posters/Flyers/Materials at Howard University
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: February 19, 2019Before displaying any advertisement, Including signs, posters or placards, on bulletin boards or other display spaces at Howard University, the university employee, organization, department or recognized student organization must obtain authorization from the Scheduling Office. The name(s) of the sponsoring organiza... Read MoreStudent Code of Conduct: Prohibited Behaviors
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: February 19, 2019Discrimination A. Engaging in verbal or physical behavior that, according to a person of reasonable sensibilities, is likely to create an intimidating or demeaning environment that infringes upon the ability of other students, faculty and/or staff to access or receive the educational benefits available to them as a ... Read More(INTERIM) TITLE IX POLICY ON PROHIBITED SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE AND OTHER FORMS OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: February 19, 2019Sexual harassment – Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to, or rejection of, such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s instruction, academic standing, employment or pa... Read MoreStudent Code of Conduct: Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: February 19, 2019As members of the University Community, all students are guaranteed freedom of expression, inquiry and assembly; the right to form a student government; the right to organize groups; the right to join associations in support of any cause or common interest; and the right to peacefully protest, provided that such act... Read MoreAcceptable Use Policy for Computer and Network Systems
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: February 19, 2019Unlawful Messages Use of electronic communication facilities (such as e-mail, instant messaging, talk, chat rooms, threaded discussions or systems with similar functions) to send fraudulent, harassing, obscene, threatening, or other messages that are a violation of applicable federal, state or other law or Universit... Read More
Howard University: Professor Subjected to 504-Day Investigation and Sanctions for Hypothetical Test Question Involving Waxing
July 6, 2017
On May 4, 2017, Howard University law professor Reginald Robinson was deemed responsible for sexual harassment after two students complained about a test question involving a Brazilian wax and an upset client.
Law professor still subject to sanctions from Howard University for Brazilian wax hypothetical on quiz
December 19, 2017
Back in June, FIRE wrote to Howard University after it punished law professor Reginald Robinson for including on a quiz a question involving a client receiving a Brazilian wax. We reported in July that a tentative agreement between Robinson and the university had been reached. Unfortunately, that tentative agreement fell through, and the case remains… Read more
BREAKING: Howard University professor reports settlement in Brazilian wax case
July 14, 2017
Howard University has reached a tentative agreement with the law professor it found responsible for sexual harassment over a test question about a hypothetical Brazilian wax. This afternoon, professor Reginald Robinson’s attorney, Gaillard T. Hunt, released the following statement: We have discussed the case with the University and we believe we have reached a mutually… Read more
Ouch! Brazilian wax test question nets Howard University professor a 504-day Title IX investigation, sanctions
July 6, 2017
Case is part of a larger pattern of colleges and universities punishing constitutionally protected expression under the guise of addressing sexual harassment. WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 — A test question about hot wax has landed one Howard University professor in hot water with Title IX investigators. On May 4, law professor Reginald Robinson was deemed… Read more
President Obama’s Howard Commencement Address: “Let Them Talk” (VIDEO)
May 9, 2016
On Saturday, President Obama spoke to Howard University’s graduating class of 2016. Over the years, the historic institution, which was established by the Freedmen’s Bureau after President Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation, has provided a platform for an array of voices, including artists, doctors, and civil rights activists. It’s therefore only natural that President Obama… Read more
Passion to Action: Howard U. Students Speak Out Against Sexual Assault
April 11, 2016
At the end of the 2015 fall semester, FIRE (and the nation) began to see a wide range of student activism, from the protests at the University of Missouri to advocacy for free speech rights at the University of South Carolina. As FIRE’s communication coordinator, I have had a few opportunities to travel to college… Read more
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