School Spotlight
University of North Alabama
Speech Code Rating
Student Handbook: University Standards and Behavioral Expectations
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: October 15, 202117) Harassment. Unwelcome conduct (written, verbal, or via electronic communication) that is so severe, pervasive, or persistent and objectively offensive, and that so undermines and detracts from a student’s educational experience, that it denies or limits a student’s equal access to an institution’s resources, act... Read MoreUniversity of North Alabama Information Technologies Acceptable Use Statement
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: October 15, 2021Conduct which involves the misuse of computer facilities and data networks, includes but is not limited to, the following: … Displaying obscene, lewd, or sexually harassing images or text in a public computer facility or location that can be viewed by others. … Read MoreUNA Interim Policy against Sexual Harassment and other Sexual Misconduct
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: October 15, 2021Hostile Environment sexual harassment: Under this Policy, hostile environment sexual harassment occurs when unwelcome sexual or sex- and/or gender-based conduct occurs that is determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensives [sic] that it effectively denies a person equal acce... Read MoreStudent Handbook: Free Speech and Assembly
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: October 15, 2021The University of North Alabama recognizes that in the community of scholars there are certain indisputable rights to freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression. The university encourages the search for truth and knowledge and does not abridge searchers’ rights to reveal their findings, ... Read MoreStudent Handbook: Free Speech and Assembly
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: October 15, 2021Reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions will be enforced. However, the enforcement will not depend, in any way, on the subject matter involved in an expressive activity. It is strongly suggested that all activities be registered with the appropriate office based on the building you are intending to reserve i... Read More
University of North Alabama: Newspaper Adviser’s Job Eliminated After Critical Stories
January 15, 2019
University removes newspaper advisor following coverage critical of university administration.
University of North Alabama: “Protocol” on Speaking With Media
November 27, 2018
UNA asserts an unwritten “protocol” barring staff members from speaking with the press.
10 Worst Colleges for Free Speech: 2019
February 12, 2019
Every January, FIRE staffers convene to compile our list of the previous year’s worst colleges for free speech. Reviewing the lowlights of the year reminds each of us that campus censors can be pretty creative. Just when you think you’ve seen everything — and over FIRE’s 20-year history, we’ve seen a lot — some enterprising… Read more
FIRE renews call to reinstate adviser position at U. of N. Alabama
January 30, 2019
Today is Student Press Freedom Day — when we look back at the state of the student press over the last year, as well as forward to how we might better protect student journalists in the year to come. And while thinking about the big picture can be helpful when coming up with a plan… Read more
On Student Press Freedom Day, a look back at censorship in 2018
January 30, 2019
Despite what you may have heard in school, America is (by some measures) not home to the freest press in the world. Since 2013, the United States’ press freedom ranking tumbled 13 spots to 45th globally. And freedom of the press is even more attenuated for student reporters, who face additional hurdles from administrators, legislators,… Read more
FIRE calls for reinstatement of U. North Alabama newspaper adviser position
December 7, 2018
When a college or university receives two letters from FIRE in two weeks, it usually means one of two things is true: Either the school saw the error of its ways quickly and is getting praise, or it has engaged in such a compound series of indefensible actions that investigating one brings to light others…. Read more
North Alabama student journalists run blank front page after censorship attempt, earn praise from local newspaper
December 4, 2018
The University of North Alabama’s independent student newspaper ran a blank front page late last week to protest the retaliatory firing of their adviser. Now, the local newspaper is praising the students for “standing their ground under the protection of the First Amendment.” On Nov. 29, the staff of The Flor-Ala printed their bi-weekly issue… Read more
University of North Alabama censured over treatment of student newspaper adviser; unwritten media ‘protocol’ earns written letter from FIRE
November 27, 2018
Yesterday, the College Media Association announced that its membership had voted to censure the University of North Alabama over its circumspect removal of a student newspaper adviser — a decision announced shortly after the university’s provost expressed displeasure over its media coverage. Today, FIRE is sending a letter to the university concerning a corollary threat… Read more