School Spotlight

Jackson State University

Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Type: Public
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Speech Code Rating

Jackson 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

  • Student Handbook: Student Decorum Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
    Last updated: November 21, 2018

    The Jackson State University Student Handbook sets forth expectations and guidelines for appropriate student decorum, and this policy is put in place as a supplement to clarify and extend the dress code as well as the proscription against the use of inappropriate language. … This Decorum Policy shall be applie... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct- Violations & Sanctions

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
    Last updated: November 21, 2018

    2.30 DISORDERLY CONDUCT, OBSTRUCTION, AND/OR DISRUPTION. Disorderly conduct is any offensive or annoying act that disrupts the peace. It includes, but is not limited to any person that assembles on campus for the purpose of causing a riot, destruction of property or a disorderly diversion, which interferes with the ... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Philosophy of Student Conduct and Discipline

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Other Speech Codes
    Last updated: November 21, 2018

    Behavior, which is not in keeping with standards acceptable to the University community, is often symptomatic of attitudes, misconceptions, and emotional crises; addressing these attitudes, misconceptions, and emotional crises through education is an essential part of the disciplinary process. Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct- Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: August 23, 2019

    2.90 HARASSMENT (Verbal and/or Physical). The excessive physical interference with, or abuse of, any person on University-owned or controlled property or while on the premises of, or while in attendance of University-sponsored or supervised events. This policy also applies to social media use. Harassment includes co... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct- Sexual Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: August 23, 2019

    3.93 SEXUAL HARASSMENT. Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that if sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive, and objectively offensive to a reasonable person, has the effect of creating a hostile or stressful living, learning, or working environment, or whenever toleration of such conduct ... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: August 23, 2019

    As an academic community, Jackson State University exists for the pursuit of learning and truth, for the development of students as scholars and citizens, and ultimately, for the well being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. … Students at Jackson St... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: August 23, 2019

    The University provides forums for the assembly and expression of ideas and opinions, such as the following: 1. “Traditional public forums” include the University’s public streets, sidewalks, and similar common areas. These areas are generally available for expressive activity, planned or spontaneous, for the indivi... Read More

  • Title IX: Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: August 23, 2019

    C. Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that if sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive, and objectively offensive to a reasonable person, has the effect of creating a hostile or stressful living, learning, or working environment, or whenever toleration of such conduct o... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Sexual Misconduct Policy- Sexual Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: August 23, 2019

    Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that if sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive, and objectively offensive to a reasonable person, has the effect of creating a hostile or stressful living, learning, or working environment, or whenever toleration of such conduct or rejection of it is th... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been publicly involved in any cases at this school.

  • 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: Jackson State University

    August 1, 2008

    FIRE announces its Speech Code of the Month for August 2008: Jackson State University in Mississippi. Jackson State’s harassment policy provides, in relevant part, that: The scope of any form of harassment includes language to physical acts which degrades, insult, taunt, or challenges another person by any means of communication, verbal, so as to provoke… Read more