School Spotlight
Old Dominion University
Speech Code Rating
Student Organization Handbook: Webb Center & Outdoor Space Scheduling Policy
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: July 29, 2019The 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 MoreUniversity Policy 1005: Discrimination Policy
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2020Harassment – 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 MoreUniversity Policy 2202: Display of Art on Campus
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Other Speech Codes
Last updated: September 15, 2020Old 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 MoreBoard of Visitors Policy 1530: Code of Student Conduct- Online Misconduct
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: September 15, 2020Students 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 MoreStudent Organization Handbook: Bulletin Board & Posting Policy and Procedures
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: July 29, 2019Bulletin boards are provided for the posting of signs, papers, posters, advertisements, etc. and are subject to the following regulations: All postings must be approved at the Webb Information Desk. There are 4 general use bulletin boards, and all others are for specific office use only. All postings (including pos... Read MoreGuide to Living on Campus: Community Living Expectations
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: September 15, 2020Being a member of the Residence Hall or Apartment Community is an opportunity to contribute to the ODU community. Students are expected to: Respect the dignity of all persons and avoid behaviors which compromise or demean the dignity of individuals or groups, including hazing, ridiculing, harassing, and discrimi... Read MoreBoard of Visitors Policy 1530: Code of Student Conduct- Prohibited Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: September 15, 2020Intimidation, defined as implied or articulated threats or acts that cause a reasonable person to fear harm. Read MoreBoard of Visitors Policy 1011: Freedom of Expression
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: September 15, 2020Old Dominion University will at all times defend the right of free expression, including the right of free assembly. Read MoreUniversity Policy 1700: University Demonstrations Policy
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: November 20, 2020All members of the University community may use any publicly available outdoor area of campus for meetings, gatherings, events or demonstrations, so long as such use does not cause a material and substantial disruption to University activities or cause the University to incur significant costs. … For all event... Read More
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