School Spotlight

University of South Dakota
Speech Code Rating
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, 2019Sales 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 MoreCommunity Living Policies: Room Decoration
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: August 29, 2019McFadden 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 MoreSouth 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, 2019Harassment, 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 MoreBias, Discrimination or Harassment
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: October 4, 2019Bias, 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 MoreSouth 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, 20192.2 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 MoreSouth 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, 2019Unauthorized 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 MoreSouth 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, 2019Freedom 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 MoreSouth 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, 2019PURPOSE 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
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
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