University of Alaska Anchorage

Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Website: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu
Type: Public
Federal Circuit: 9th Circuit

Speech Code Rating

University of Alaska Anchorage has been given the speech code rating Red. A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.

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

Red Light Policies

  • Acceptable Use Policy

    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: April 3, 2017

    Users agree that they will not use any information resource to transmit or post the following content:
    …
    Statements that are bigoted, hateful or racially offensive;
    …
    Material that contains vulgar or obscene language or images …
    Content related to partisan political activities ….

    » Read More

Yellow Light Policies

  • Posting Policy

    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: April 3, 2017

    All Materials Must: … Avoid the use of obscene or offensive language or illustrations and demonstrate sensitivity to social concerns, such as sexism and racism.

    » Read More

  • Office of Equity and Compliance: Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment

    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: April 3, 2017

    Hostile Environment

    • Sexual conduct that interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

    Sexual Harassment may include:

    • Inappropriate jokes
    • Inappropriate comments
    • Unwelcome pressures for dates
    • Touching, cornering, and pinching
    • Attempts to kiss or fondle
    • Threats

    » Read More

  • Regents’ Policy and University Regulation: Sexual Harassment

    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: April 3, 2017

    It is the responsibility of faculty and staff to behave in such a manner that their words or actions cannot reasonably be perceived as sexually coercive, abusive, or exploitative. Sexual harassment also can occur in relationships among equals as when repeated unwelcome advances, demeaning verbal behavior, or offensive physical contact interfere with an individual’s ability to work or study productively.

    » Read More

  • Regents’ Policy and University Regulation: Student Code of Conduct

    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: April 3, 2017

    Harassment is defined as behavior that is severe, pervasive or persistent to a degree that a reasonable person similarly situated would be prevented from fully accessing educational benefits, university services, or other opportunities. Harassment is also defined as behavior that limits the ability of university employees to conduct business. This behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and coercion (that is not speech or conduct otherwise protected by the First Amendment). In addition, harassment may be conducted in a variety of mediums, including, but not limited to, physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic. Examples include, but are not limited to: 1. threats, defined as written or verbal conduct that causes a reasonable expectation of injury to the health or safety of any person or damage to any property; 2. intimidation, defined as implied threats or acts that cause reasonable fear of harm in another; 3. bullying, defined as repeated, unreasonable actions directed towards an individual (or a group) resulting in intimidating, degrading, humiliating, or undermining behavior that creates a risk to the health or safety of individuals; 4. cyberbullying, defined as repeated, unreasonable actions using electronic communications that are directed towards an individual (or a group) resulting in intimidating, degrading, humiliating, or undermining behavior that creates a risk to the health or safety of individuals; or 5. stalking, defined as repetitive and/or menacing pursuit, following, or interference with the peace and/or safety of an individual(s).

    » Read More

Green Light Policies

  • Regents’ Policy and University Regulation: Freedom of Speech

    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: April 3, 2017

    An environment of free and honest inquiry is essential to the functioning and the mission of the university. The board and the university therefore acknowledge, affirm, and espouse the right of freedom of speech as guaranteed in the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Alaska. The essential purpose of the university is to engage in the pursuit of truth, the advancement of learning and the dissemination of knowledge. To achieve this purpose, all members of the university must be assured of the constitutionally protected right to question, speculate, and comment, as well as the right to criticize the university and society at large.

    The university will not limit or abridge any individual’s constitutional right to free speech.

    » Read More

  • Dean of Students Office: Students Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities

    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: April 3, 2017

    Students, as well as other members of the university community, enjoy the same constitutional and civil rights guaranteed all citizens …. The rights of free speech and peaceable assembly are fundamental to the democratic process. The University supports the rights of students of the University community to express their views and opinions on actions or ideas, to associate freely with others, and to assemble peacefully.

    » Read More

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

  • Public Employees Petition NOAA to Amend Sea Grant Guidelines, Protect Faculty Speech

    December 18, 2009

    In October, FIRE reported on a controversy at the University of Alaska, where Professor Richard Steiner was removed from a $10,000 research grant administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Steiner filed a grievance against UA, charging that the university had removed him from the grant at NOAA’s urging, in retaliation for criticisms he had made about the oil industry. UA rejected Steiner’s allegations. As Will wrote here: From FIRE’s perspective, Steiner’s case is troubling and complex. Troubling, because it seems uncontested by either the NOAA or UA that the funding was removed from Steiner as a result […]

    » Read More