School Spotlight

University of South Dakota

Location: Vermillion, South Dakota
Type: Public
Tell University of South Dakota to revise its speech policies by filling out this form.

Speech Code Rating

University of South Dakota 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
This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech. This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech. This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech.

  • The University of South Dakota Sales and Solicitation Policy and Request Form

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: July 30, 2019

    Sales and Solicitation on USD property is strictly prohibited without authorization from the Muenster University Center Administration. A copy of the authorized Sales and Solicitation form must be displayed at all times while on campus. The Sales and Solicitation form may be picked up at the information desk located... Read More

  • Community Living Policies: Room Decoration

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: August 29, 2019

    McFadden balconies should not be used to display any advertising. Additionally, since USD is a safe space for all students; any material that can be deemed offensive, demeaning, or derogatory to others may not be posted in public view on balconies or in windows. Read More

  • South Dakota Board of Regents Policy Manual: 3:4 Student Code of Conduct

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: July 30, 2019

    Harassment, which includes, but is not limited to: Conduct towards another person that is severe or pervasive enough to create an objectively and subjectively intimidating, hostile, or demeaning environment that substantially interferes with the individual’s ability to participate in or to realize the intended benef... Read More

  • Bias, Discrimination or Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
    Last updated: October 4, 2019

    Bias, Discrimination or Harassment Discrimination & Harassment Discrimination and harassment are taken seriously by the University of South Dakota for all faculty, staff and students. The South Dakota Board of Regents has defined and outlined procedures for handling such complaints in the following policies.... Read More

  • South Dakota Board of Regents Policy Manual: 1:17 Harassment Including Sexual Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: August 27, 2019

    2.2 Harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, transgender, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or harassment on any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination or on a... Read More

  • South Dakota Board of Regents Policy Manual: 3:4 Student Conduct Code

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: August 27, 2019

    Unauthorized use or abuse of technology, including, but not limited to: … Use of technology to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or institutional official; Use of an Institution’s technology to engage in Harassment. Use of technology to engage in unlawful activities, including those ... Read More

  • South Dakota Board of Regents Policy Manual: 1:32 Commitment to Freedom of Expression

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: August 27, 2019

    Freedom of expression includes the right to discuss and present scholarly opinions and conclusions on all matters both in and outside the classroom without Board or institutional discipline or restraint. This freedom includes the right to speak and write as a member of the institutional communities governed by the B... Read More

  • South Dakota Board of Regents Policy Manual: 6:13:1 Use of Institutional Facilities and Grounds for Expressive Activity by Student Organizations, Students, Employees, and their Guests

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: October 4, 2019

    PURPOSE  To promote and facilitate free expression while allowing the institution to ensure such activities do not interfere with the institution’s mission and operations or with the rights of others. POLICY Policy Statement: The South Dakota Board of Regents recognizes and supports the educational institutions as ... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been publicly involved in any cases at this school.

  • Speech Code of the Month: University of South Dakota

    June 7, 2017

    FIRE announces our Speech Code of the Month for June 2017: the University of South Dakota. Not only are USD’s “Guidelines for the Awareness and Prevention of Acts of Cultural Insensitivity and Bullying at USD” written in a tone more appropriate for schoolchildren than adult college students, they also make clear that protected speech may… Read more

  • The Mystery of the Missing Free Speech Zone

    December 12, 2014

    FIRE’s Stand Up For Speech Litigation Project has already seen several victories for free expression on campus. Earlier this month, two institutions agreed to revise their speech codes and abolish their “free speech zones” within a day of each other—but far too many institutions still maintain such zones. A thoughtful editorial published in the University… Read more