School Spotlight
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Speech Code Rating
This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech.
University of Missouri System: 600.020 Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct in Education/Employment Policy
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: March 31, 2021Sexual harassment is defined as: … b. Other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature or because of sex, pregnancy, gender identity, or gender expression when: … (2) Such conduct creates a hostile environment by being sufficiently severe or pervasive or objectively offensive that it interferes with, li... Read MoreUniversity of Missouri System: 110.005 Acceptable Use Policy
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: March 31, 2021Prohibited Uses of University Computer Resources: … b. Uses that interfere with the proper functioning of the University’s information technology resources. c. Uses that unreasonably interfere with the ability of others to make use of University computer resources. Read MoreUniversity of Missouri System: 330.030 Disruption
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: March 31, 2021A. Right of Free Expression — The University of Missouri will at all times defend the right of free expression of opinion, including the right of peaceful assembly. The University will, indeed, guard this right in behalf of all persons associated with the institution and will not tolerate actions by any indivi... Read MoreUniversity of Missouri System: 600.010 Equal Employment/Educational Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: March 31, 2021Definition of Discrimination and Harassment. For purposes of determining whether a particular course of conduct constitutes prohibited discrimination or harassment under this policy, the following definitions will be used: … Conduct that is based upon an individual’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion,... Read MoreComputer Usage Guidelines
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: March 31, 2021University computing resources cannot be used to intimidate or create an atmosphere of harassment based upon gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed, or sexual orientation. Fraudulent, threatening, or obscene email or graphical displays used to harass or intimidate are prohibited. Chain letters, mass mailings, ... Read MoreUMKC’s Campus Free Expression Act of 2015 Guidelines
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: March 31, 2021All members of the University of Missouri – Kansas City community, students, faculty, and staff share a mutual interest in maintaining conditions where the work of the University can go forward freely, in accordance with the highest standards of quality, institutional integrity, and freedom of expression. To t... Read MoreUniversity of Missouri System: 600.020 Sexual Harassment under Title IX
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: March 31, 2021Sexual harassment means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: … Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the University’s education program or activity; … Read More
Reports: RAs told not to speak to media as students return amidst coronavirus pandemic
August 14, 2020
As students begin to physically return to institutions conducting in-person classes this fall, troubling reports have emerged that some universities are directing student employees not to speak to reporters, including student journalists. Today, FIRE wrote to the University of Missouri and Louisiana State University seeking clarification about these reports and explaining that public institutions cannot… Read more
As student debates about Hong Kong continue, U.S. universities must be prepared to respond to free speech controversies
December 4, 2019
The mass protests that have swept Hong Kong in recent months are unlikely to cease anytime soon. What is likely, though, is that this movement will continue to spread protests of both support and opposition at campuses around the world. Are American universities prepared for the free speech challenges posed by the often passionate student… Read more
Missouri Attorney General’s commencement speech addresses importance of the First Amendment
May 22, 2019
Last week at the University of Missouri, Kansas City’s law school commencement, Attorney General Eric Schmitt gave a timely speech to a crowded theatre of graduating students. What started off as a history lesson of sorts quickly helped provide a framework for the First Amendment’s place in the United States. Early in his speech, Schmitt… Read more
Newsflash: The First Amendment does not give you the right to spray chemicals at people
April 12, 2019
It might be hard to believe right now, but in my first decade or so at FIRE it was very rare to hear of protest-related violence against, or over, campus speakers. There were a few incidents that I remember, like an incident at the University of North Carolina in 2009 where a speech by then-Congressman… Read more
Speech Code of the Month: University of Missouri–Kansas City
February 24, 2017
FIRE announces our Speech Code of the Month for February 2017: the University of Missouri–Kansas City. The university calls its demonstration policy the “Open Campus and Time, Place and Manner Policy,” but in reality, the university’s campus is far from open for students wishing to engage in expressive activities. According to that policy, which applies… Read more
The Censors Must Not Win: Campus Thought Police Have Run Amok — but All Is Not Lost
November 15, 2015
The year 2015 has seen the third rails of race and sex powered up on campus — and the live wire of “sensitivity” is electrocuting intellectual freedom. Worse, in contrast with the past, when censorship typically came from above, today’s censorship drives are increasingly led not by administrators, but by students. Yale and the University… Read more
Censorship on Campus in 2012: From Benghazi to Free Speech Zones at the University of Missouri
December 31, 2012
Looking back at what 2012 had in store for the fight for free speech and basic rights on campus, the best I can say is that it was a mixed bag. There were some encouraging signs along the way, but also many setbacks. For instance, for the fifth straight year, my organization (the Foundation for Individual… Read more