School Spotlight

University of South Florida at Saint Petersburg

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Type: Public
Tell University of South Florida at Saint Petersburg to revise its speech policies by filling out this form.

Speech Code Rating

University of South Florida at Saint Petersburg 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

  • Policy 0-502: Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    Other examples of inappropriate actions under this policy include, but are not limited to, the following: … Transmitting unsolicited material such as repetitive advertising, chain messages, or unofficial mass mailings, phone text messages (SMS), or instant messages (IM). Read More

  • Policy USF6-028: Events, Signage and Space Management- Distribution of Literature

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    Other non-commercial material or literature, the author of which is identified, may be handed out in any outdoor USF location open to the general public. Read More

  • Policy 0-004: Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (Including Sexual Violence): Prohibited Conduct Outside Title IX Jurisdiction

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    IV. PROHIBITED CONDUCT OUTSIDE TITLE IX JURISDICTION Discriminatory conduct based on sex that does not meet the Title IX definition of harassment but that, by the totality of circumstances, is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter a term or condition of employment or enrollment is prohibited by this policy and m... Read More

  • Policy USF6.0021: Student Code of Conduct

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    Harassment – Conduct that creates an unsafe, intimidating, or hazardous situation that interferes with the ability of a student or employee to study, work, or carry out University functions and are not protected by freedom of expression. 1. Repeated and/or severe aggressive behaviors, including bullying/cyber-bul... Read More

  • Policy 0-007: Diversity and Equal Opportunity- Discrimination and Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    A. The Following Actions Are Prohibited: … 1. Discrimination and/or harassment by any USF employee or student against any individual(s) or group(s) within USF. … B. Examples of Prohibited Conduct Include, but Are Not Limited To: Unwelcome touching, impeding, or blocking movement based on any individual’s race, colo... Read More

  • Dean of Students: Student Conduct- Student Rights

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    The right of respect for personal feelings, freedom from indignity, and to expect an education of the highest quality. Read More

  • Policy USF6.0021: Student Code of Conduct

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    Sexual Harassment – Conduct on the basis of sex/gender or that is sexual that satisfies one or more of the following: … Unwelcome conduct, determined by a reasonable individual, to be so severe, and pervasive, and objectively offensive, that it effectively denies an individual equal access to the University’s educat... Read More

  • Policy 0-004: Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (Including Sexual Violence)

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    V. PROHIBITED CONDUCT SPECIFIC TO TITLE IX JURISDICTION B. Sexual Harassment, as an umbrella category, includes the offenses of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, and is further defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: … Sex... Read More

  • Policy USF6.026: Distribution of Material and Solicitation on Campus

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    Non-commercial material or literature may be handed out in any outdoor USF location open to the general public in compliance with University regulation or policy. Read More

  • Policy USF6-028: Events, Signage and Space Management

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: October 1, 2021

    Outdoor areas of the campus not connected to a specific use and considered open to the public, may be used for informal, unscheduled and unamplified expression of opinion or musical event by person participating as individuals without registration or approval. By using the space, the individuals assume all responsib... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been publicly involved in any cases at this school.

  • USF St. Petersburg Student Newspaper Sparks Speech Code Debate

    December 4, 2014

    The University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) student newspaper The Crow’s Nest has been working hard to inform the campus community about why the university’s speech codes should be revised in order to protect students’ First Amendment rights. In response, students and administrators have debated the pros and cons of the speech codes. Now… Read more