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: October 15, 2021The 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: October 15, 2021Harassment – 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: October 15, 2021Old 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: October 15, 2021Students 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: October 15, 2021Bulletin boards are provided for the posting of signs, papers, posters, advertisements, etc. and are subject to the following regulations: The Office of Leadership & Student Involvement must approve all postings. There are 4 general use bulletin boards, and all others are for specific office use only. All posti... Read MoreGuide to Living on Campus: Community Living Expectations
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: October 15, 2021Being 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: October 15, 2021Intimidation, 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: October 15, 2021Old 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: October 15, 2021All 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 MoreUniversity Policy 1008: Policy on Title IX – Sexual Harassment and Sex or Gender-Based Discrimination (Interim Policy)
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: October 15, 2021Sexual Harassment – Any of three types of misconduct on the basis of sex which jeopardize equal access to education: … Any unwelcome sex-based conduct that a reasonable person would find so severe, persistent/pervasive and objectively offensive that it denies a person equal educational access. Unwelcome ... Read More
Old Dominion University: Professor Placed on Leave for Controversial Statements; Student Protesters’ Calls for Prof’s Firing Painted Over
November 24, 2021
In November 2021, an interview of Old Dominion University Prof. Allyn Walker went viral due to public objections to Walker’s research and commentary on “Minor-Attracted Persons,” a term used by some researchers, including Walker, to refer to people who have (but do not act upon) an attraction to minors. The university placed Walker on leave,… Read more
In joint statement, Old Dominion and professor Allyn Walker signal end to campus controversy, Walker thanks FIRE
November 24, 2021
Today, Old Dominion University professor Allyn Walker issued a joint statement with the university announcing Walker will step down as faculty after their current contract expires in May 2022 and will remain on leave until that time. Walker became the center of a national controversy following an interview that delved into the ideas underpinning their… 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