School Spotlight

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Location: Mansfield, Pennsylvania
Type: Public
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Speech Code Rating

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania 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

  • Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 22, 2019

    Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature whether intentional or not, when: … The unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is so severe, persistent, pervasive and objectively offensive as to substantially limit or... Read More

  • Student Code of Conduct: Violations of the Rights of Others

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 22, 2019

    Physical assault or abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion or conduct that injures, threatens or endangers the health and safety of any person Read More

  • Residence Hall Handbook: Community Bill of Rights

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
    Last updated: May 22, 2019

    The community bill of rights is a reminder to you of your rights as an individual and your responsibility to your fellow community members. … The right to be free from the fear of intimidation and physical and or emotional harm. … The right to be free from peer pressure or ridicule regarding one’s ... Read More

  • Acceptable Use Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: August 19, 2019

    While debate on controversial issues is inevitable and essential, bear in mind that it is the user’s responsibility to do so in a way that actually advances the cause of learning and mutual understanding. … Users are expected to … Be sensitive to the public nature of the shared computing fac... Read More

  • Student Code of Conduct: Violations of the Operation of the University

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: May 22, 2019

    Online harassment by e-mail blogs, web pages, social networking sites, and other modes of electronic communication. Online speech by students not involving University networks or technology is protected free expression except when it is a threat a reasonable person would interpret as a serious expression of intent t... Read More

  • Student Code of Conduct: Violations of the Rights of Others

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 22, 2019

    Harassment. a. Any act, display, or communication that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her personal safety. This includes, but is not limited to, physical coercion or restraint. b. Any act, display, or communication that causes substantial injury or distress to the person or persons to whom it is ... Read More

  • Pennsylvania House of Representatives Select Committee on Student Academic Freedom

    September 19, 2005

    The Pennsylvania House of Representatives brought together a committee to examine allegations that Pennsylvania’s public universities were plagued by liberal ideology and indoctrination. David A. French, at the time president of FIRE, served as a legal adviser to the panel. FIRE released FIRE Report on the First Amendment Responsibilities of Pennsylvania State-Funded Colleges and Universities,… Read more

  • August 2019 Speech Code of the Month: Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

    August 1, 2019

    Chances are you’ve posted or sent something online that someone, somewhere, could consider “annoying.” Although a boastful text about a sports rivalry or a sneaky “rickroll” could certainly cause annoyance, online speech, like speech in all other contexts, doesn’t lose constitutional protection just because it annoys someone. In spite of this, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania… Read more

  • Speech Code of the Month: Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

    August 2, 2011

    FIRE announces its Speech Code of the Month for August 2011: Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. Mansfield’s student handbook, the Mountie Manual, includes a Student Rights and Responsibilities document. Under the heading of “freedom from discrimination,” the policy states: It is everyone’s responsibility to create a social order that is free of discrimination. We are obligated… Read more