Tarleton State University

Location: Stephenville, Texas
Website: http://www.tarleton.edu
Type: Public
Federal Circuit: 5th Circuit

Tell Tarleton State University to revise its speech policies by filling out this form.

Speech Code Rating

Tarleton State 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 here.

At present, FIRE has not been involved in any cases at this school.
Yellow Light Policies

  • SAP 29.01.03.T0.05: Information Technology Services – Email Use

    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: October 16, 2018

    The following activities are prohibited: * Sending email that is intimidating or harassing …

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  • Campus Rules and Procedures: Publicity Rules and Procedures

    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: October 16, 2018

    For the purpose of this policy, Publicity and Solicitation are defined as advertising through means of printed materials (such as flyers and banners), sandwich board, A-frames or other outdoor displays, distribution of literature or handbills, and/or campaigning (political or other).

    …

    Any publicity or solicitation, as defined by this policy, must:
    • be reviewed and approved by Student Affairs Marketing & Communications prior to display or distribution. Additional approval may be required depending on the type or location;
    • not advertise or promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or illegal substances;
    • not promote discriminatory, subversive, or unlawful behavior;
    • not be posted using nails, glues, staple guns, or tape;
    • include the individual or organization name, date of event, and contact information.

    …

    All flyers, posters, and handbills must meet the above General Guidelines and be stamped by Student Affairs Marketing and Communications or appropriate designee prior to being displayed or distributed.

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  • Student Organizations: Event Management

    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: October 16, 2018

    Event Management

    Student organizations should consult with the Department of Student Involvement, Spirit, Tradition, and Family Relations before planning any major event. Some events may require an event checklist to be completed. These include:

    • Any program or event open to anyone outside of the organization’s membership
    • Large scale fundraising events such as raffles, concerts, food sales, etc.
    • Any event that requires a contract with a vendor or facility
    • Alcohol will be served (If yes, also see the Social Host Policy event check list.)
    • Additional insurance required

    If your upcoming event matches any of these criteria, contact the Department of Student Involvement, Spirit, Tradition, and Family Relations at 254-968-9490 or stop by Thompson Student Center, Room 105.

    » Read More

  • Code of Student Conduct: Unauthorized or Irresponsible Use of Electronic Equipment

    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: October 16, 2018

    Misuse or abuse of computer equipment, programs, or data including, but not limited to: … Use of computing and resources to send obscene or abusive messages.

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  • Code of Student Conduct: Bullying/Cyberbullying

    Speech Code Category: Bullying Policies
    Last updated: October 16, 2018

    5.6.5 Bullying – Defined as the use of repeated or severe verbal and/or non-verbal means in order to coerce or force a person to do something or to degrade a person, including, but not limited to, the use of taunting, teasing, or coercive language, pushing, punching, or creating threatening notes/letters/signs.

    5.6.6 Cyberbullying – Defined as an act of bullying that takes place using different kinds of technology and social media. Using various types of electronic devices to inflict emotional and/or mental pain, and to degrade another person.

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  • SAP 08.01.01.T1.03: Sexual and Other Gender-Based Misconduct

    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: October 16, 2018

    Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is unwelcome, gender-based verbal or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, denies or limits someone’s ability to participate in or benefit from the university’s educational program and/or activities, and is based on power differentials (quid pro quo), the creation of a hostile environment, or retaliation.

    …

    Examples of Sexual Harassment:

    • Offensive sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions, including propositions of sex for grades;
    • Faculty led classroom discussions about sexual experiences not in any way germane to the subject matter of class. • Verbal abuse of a sexual nature or threat of physical sexual harm;
    • Graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body or sexual behaviors;
    • Sexually degrading words used to describe an individual;
    • Unwelcome touching or physical contact;
    • The display of sexually suggestive objects, videos, posters, or pictures;
    • Whistling, obscene gestures, suggestive or insulting sounds; and
    • Unwelcome, repeated requests for dates.

    …

    3. OTHER GENDER-BASED MISCONDUCT

    …

    Bullying, defined as repeated and/or severe aggressive behavior likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control or diminish another person, physically or mentally (that is not speech or conduct otherwise protected by the First Amendment).

    » Read More

Green Light Policies
At present, FIRE does not maintain information on this school's policies.

  • Texas A&M journalism programs at risk after faculty advisor punished for protecting sources

    October 25, 2018

    The revelation that Tarleton State University is punishing a faculty journalism advisor for helping a student reporter protect the identity of her confidential sources is one that threatens the integrity of journalism programs across the entire Texas A&M University System, of which Tarleton State is a member. Earlier this year, Quanecia Fraser, a reporter at Tarleton State’s Texan News Service student newspaper, promised not to reveal the identities of several sources accusing a prominent professor of inappropriate behavior. All told, Fraser documented allegations from eight women — some of whom requested anonymity — who accused associate history professor Michael Landis […]

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  • 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 so intent on covering up penises that for decades even Michelangelo’s David wore a garland of leaves around his waist. But a new report from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education shows that art censorship remains alive and well, even on today’s college campuses, […]

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