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 USF6.0021: Student Code of Conduct

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 14, 2019

    Harassment – Conduct which 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. … Bullying is included in this violation and refers to repeated and/or severe aggressive behaviors that intimidate... Read More

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

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 14, 2019

    The following actions are prohibited: 1. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, by or between any faculty member, staff, or student, including individuals of the same sex, in all academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs of the University, whether those programs take place in Univer... Read More

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

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 14, 2019

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

  • Dean of Students: Student Conduct- Student Rights

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
    Last updated: May 14, 2019

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

  • Housing and Residence Life: Student Handbook

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: May 14, 2019

    Residents who are offended by materials posted in common areas of their rooms should contact their Resident Assistant immediately. Materials posted in the common areas such as posters, pictures, etc. must be agreed upon by suitemate(s). All RHO posting outside of the resident rooms will be done by a staff member of ... Read More

  • Dean of Students: What is Sexual Harassment?

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 14, 2019

    WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT? Verbal or physical  conduct that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating or hostile work or educational environment is considered harassment.  Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, request... Read More

  • Policy USF6.0021: Student Code of Conduct

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 14, 2019

    Sexual Harassment – unwelcome conduct directed at a person based on the person’s gender or sexual orientation that is so sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits someone’s ability to participate in or benefit from the college’s educational prog... 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: May 14, 2019

    Non-commercial material or literature may be handed out in any outdoor USF System 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: May 14, 2019

    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