School Spotlight

Old Dominion University

Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Type: Public
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Speech Code Rating

Old Dominion 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 Organization Handbook: Webb Center & Outdoor Space Scheduling Policy

    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: December 6, 2018

    The following outdoor areas are available for reservations through Virtual EMS: Kaufman Mall, Whitehurst Beach, Whitehurst Field, Williamsburg Lawn, Bolling Square, Runte Quad, Perry Library/ Engineering Field, Powhatan Pavilion, and Dominion House Lawn. … Free Speech events or forums may occur at outside rese... Read More

  • University Policy 1005: Discrimination Policy

    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: December 6, 2018

    Harassment – A form of discrimination in which unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct is directed toward an individual on the basis of his or her protected characteristics or statuses by any member of the University community. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm or involve repeated incid... Read More

  • University Policy 2202: Display of Art on Campus

    Speech Code Category: Other Speech Codes
    Last updated: December 6, 2018

    Old Dominion University strongly supports the exercise of free speech on campus and is committed to the position that displaying works of art represents both freedom of expression and a true form of education. It is of equal concern to the University, however, that certain works of art – which could be judged ... Read More

  • Board of Visitors Policy 1530: Code of Student Conduct- Online Misconduct

    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: December 6, 2018

    Students are cautioned that they can be subject to the student conduct system for behavior occurring online, such as harassment delivered by email, or acts of bullying or discrimination posted in video form or on gossip sites accessed through University computing resources. Read More

  • Student Organization Handbook: Bulletin Board & Posting Policy and Procedures

    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: December 6, 2018

    All postings (including postings for student organizations and departments) must have a contact name and phone number/email. … All individuals and organizations posting notices are expected to design and display their materials in a manner respectful of the diverse beliefs, opinions and attitudes that exist in... Read More

  • Board of Visitors Policy 1530: Code of Student Conduct- Prohibited Conduct

    Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
    Last updated: December 6, 2018

    Intimidation, defined as implied or articulated threats or acts that cause a reasonable person to fear harm. Read More

  • Board of Visitors Policy 1011: Freedom of Expression

    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: December 6, 2018

    Old Dominion University will at all times defend the right of free expression, including the right of free assembly. Read More
At present, FIRE has not been involved in any cases at this school.

  • Public Universities Threaten Students Over Controversial Off-Campus Banners

    August 25, 2015

    Public universities must tolerate students’ off-campus speech even when it offends some, or most, of the student body. Recent incidents at Old Dominion University (ODU) and The Ohio State University (OSU) serve as reminders that this is not always what happens. At both universities, students adorned their off-campus residences with signs offering a less than… Read more