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Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Website: http://www.okstate.edu
Type: Public
Federal Circuit: 10th Circuit
Oklahoma State University – Stillwater has been given the speech code rating Red. A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.
Red Light Policies
Residence Life Handbook: Compliance and Civility
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: January 3, 2017Interfering with staff while they are performing their duties, being uncooperative, uncivil, or verbally abusive to staff will not be tolerated.
The Department of Housing and Residential Life interprets the use of profanity, vulgar language, and derogatory comments as verbal abuse and uncivil discourse. It is expected that residents and Housing and Residential Life staff communicate with civility in all circumstances.
Office of Equal Opportunity: Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2016Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and therefore prohibited under Title IX. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Extracurricular Use of University Facilities, Areas or Media for the Purpose of Expression
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2016The extracurricular use of any scheduled University-controlled facility or area for the purpose of expression shall be preceded by a request made to an authorized designee. A request shall contain the name of the requestor and how he/she can be contacted; the proposed date, time, and location for the contemplated activity; the expected size of the audience; the topic(s) or subject(s) to be addressed; and any other information which may be necessary to accommodate the needs associated with the activity.
Gender Discrimination/Sexual Harassment & Title IX Grievance Procedure
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2016It is the responsibility of faculty and staff to behave in such a manner that their words or actions are not sexually coercive, abusive, or exploitative.
Sexual harassment also can involve relationships among equals such as when repeated advances, demeaning verbal behavior, or offensive physical contact interfere with an individual’s ability to work and study productively. The creation or condonation of hostile working or educational environments will not be tolerated and students and employees at all levels are subject to potential disciplinary action if engaged in such actions.
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“Sexual harassment,” as prohibited under federal and state law and University policy, is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, and may include unwelcomed sexual advances, sexual assaults, or requests for sexual favors. This and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when: … C. such conduct is sufficiently serious that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment. Harassment does not include verbal expressions or written material that is relevant and appropriately related to course subject matter or curriculum, and this policy shall not abridge academic freedom or the University’s educational mission.
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The following list of examples of conduct prohibited by this policy statement is intended to aid in the understanding of this area. Conduct prohibited by this policy statement may include, but is not limited to:
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B. NON-VERBAL
Displaying sexually demeaning or offensive objects and pictures. Nude or semi-nude photographs and drawings, or computer software is very likely to be viewed as sexual harassment.Staring repeatedly at someone, blocking another person’s path or otherwise restricting their movements. Such acts, particularly when in conjunction with other acts or comments, may be viewed as sexual harassment. Invading a person’s personal body space, such as by standing closer than appropriate or necessary for the work being done may similarly constitute sexual harassment.
Bringing physical items to work which express sexually offensive comments regarding men or women. Messages of this nature such as might be contained on coffee mugs, hats, or tee shirts may be offensive and be viewed as sexual harassment.
Making sexual gestures with hands or body movements. Looking a person up and down in a suggestive or intimidating manner may also constitute sexual harassment.
Letters, gifts, or materials of a sexual nature. Such attention may not be appreciated in the manner intended, may be offensive to the subject of the attention, and may constitute sexual harassment.
Office of Equal Opportunity: Gender Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Brochure
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2016Sexual harassment, as prohibited under federal law, state law, and University policy, is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, sexual assaults, or requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This conduct constitutes sexual harassment when: … Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment.
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The following types of conduct may constitute sexual harassment:
- Inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching
- Displaying sexually, demeaning or offensive objects and pictures
- Physical assault or coerced sexual activity
- Sexually suggestive jokes or innuendos; derogatory, degrading, or sexist remarks about a person’s body, clothing, or sexual activities
- Suggestive or insulting sounds, whistles, catcalls
- Obscene phone calls, e-mail, or gestures
Information Technology: Appropriate Computer Use
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2016Using University electronic communication facilities to send fraudulent, harassing, obscene, threatening, or other unlawful messages is prohibited.
Extracurricular Use of University Facilities, Areas or Media for the Purpose of Expression
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: September 15, 2016[T]he University must recognize and protect free inquiry and free expression as indispensable components of the critical examination of philosophies and ideas. Given the unique mission of educational institutions in
a democratic society, this inquiry should be more open and vigorous, and should consequently have greater protection than in society at large, provided that such inquiry does not infringe upon the rights of others. Commitment to free inquiry and expression creates a strong presumption against prohibition of expression based upon its content. This philosophy is intended to apply to all forms of expression occurring at the University and any uncertainty regarding the application or operation of this policy statement shall be resolved in a manner consistent with this philosophy.Student Code of Conduct: Prohibited Conduct
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2016Engaging in subjectively and objectively offensive verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, bullying or other conduct that threatens or endangers the mental or physical health/safety of any person or causes reasonable apprehension of such harm that is persistent, severe, or pervasive.
Student Code of Conduct: Prohibited Conduct
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2016Sexual harassment: Making unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical contact or communication of a sexual nature when: … such conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent and both subjectively and objectively offensive that has the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment which negatively affects an individual’s academic or employment environment.
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Another Victory for Free Speech on Campus: Oklahoma State Settles Lawsuit with Campus Pro-Life Group; Revises Free Speech Policies
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This past Friday, Oklahoma State University (OSU) settled a lawsuit with Cowboys for Life, a pro-life student organization that alleged the university had unjustly interfered with its ability to engage in expressive activity on campus. According to the lawsuit, brought by Alliance Defending Freedom, OSU used its free speech policies to prevent Cowboys for Life from displaying abortion-related photos and distributing pro-life literature on campus.
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