School Spotlight

Salem State University
Speech Code Rating
Massachusetts State Universities Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: July 25, 2022Discriminatory harassment. A form of unlawful discrimination including verbal and/or physical conduct based on legally protected characteristics and/or membership in a protected class that: 1. has the purpose or effect of creating an objectively intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment; 2. ... Read MorePosting Policy
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: July 25, 2022All materials posted on the campus must be reviewed, approved and stamped by the Student Involvement & Activities Programs Office before they may be posted. Each original flyer must be stamped. … All materials submitted for review must be judged by the University to be factually accurate and provide full d... Read MoreAcceptable Use Policy
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: July 25, 2022Use of University computing and electronic communication resources requires each user to adhere to the following standards of acceptable use: … Respect the privacy and personal rights of others by ensuring that use of University computing and electronic communication resources does not constitute invasion of p... Read MoreStudent Conduct Code: Conduct Regulations
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: July 25, 202215. Violation of the campus event policy which includes: Failing to submit publicity materials for approval to the appropriate office. Publicity materials are defined as non-commercial, written materials including, but not limited to, signs, posters, pamphlets, handbills, circulars, newspapers, and magazines. Publi... Read MoreStudent Conduct Code: Conduct Regulations
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: July 25, 2022Listed below are those types of conduct which constitute grounds for disciplinary action. … Bias-Related Incident – Any act, conduct, or communication that reasonably is understood to demean, degrade, threaten, or harass an individual or group based on an actual or perceived characteristic and has the pu... Read MoreCampus Events Policy
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: July 25, 2022The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the management of events on campus. Exposure to a wide array of ideas, viewpoints, opinions, and creative expression is an integral part of a university education, preparing students for life in a diverse global society. Through this policy, the university se... Read MoreStudent Conduct Code: Preamble
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: July 25, 2022SSU students are recognized as being both citizens in the larger community and members of an academic community. In their roles as global citizens, students are free to exercise their fundamental constitutional rights. Rights and responsibilities under local, state and national law are neither abridged nor extended ... Read MoreStudent Conduct Code: Conduct Regulations
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: July 25, 20221. Disorderly Conduct Action(s) that jeopardizes the safety or well-being of any member of the University community or persons coming onto University property, or off campus wherever it occurs. Statements intended to defame character Physical abuse or any act of violence Verbal or written harassment of another pers... Read MoreMA State Universities Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: July 25, 2022(a) Sexual Harassment The Universities prohibit, under this Policy, conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following conditions: … Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to... Read More
REPORT: Artists clash with campus censors
July 10, 2018
Art purged for being “one-sided,” among other excuses Censors, often not understanding the message, ban art rather than grapple with its meaning PHILADELPHIA, July 10, 2018 — Art censorship is nothing new. Spanish conquistadors smashed ceramics of ancient Peruvian cultures that portrayed gay and lesbian sex. The Roman Catholic Church of the 15th century was… Read more
FIRE Notes Uptick in Student-Driven Calls for Art Censorship as Salem State Shutters Exhibit [UPDATED]
December 1, 2016
Update (December 1, 2016): Salem State University reopened its “State of the Union” art exhibit, Inside Higher Ed reports. However, at least one of the exhibit’s most controversial paintings depicting Ku Klux Klan members is now displayed fully enclosed by black drapes. Students & controversial art: #SalemState reopens exhibit, MICA involves students in displaying piece on the KKK… Read more
Speech Code of the Month: Salem State University
October 4, 2013
FIRE announces its Speech Code of the Month for October 2013: Salem State University. The Guide to Living on Campus for Massachusetts’ Salem State includes a Policy Against Racism (PDF) that applies to all students living in the university’s residence halls, spaces where students often speak the most freely. That policy “prohibits racism, anti-Semitism and… Read more