School Spotlight
University of South Florida
Speech Code Rating
This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech.
Policy 0-004: Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (Including Sexual Violence)
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 14, 2019The 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 MoreDiversity, Inclusion & Equal Opportunity: Title IX- Resource Guide
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 14, 2019GLOSSARY … Harassment Verbal or physical conduct based on a Protected Category that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating or hostile work or educational environment (see Hostile Environment as defined below). Hostile Environment Unwelcome conduct b... Read MorePolicy 0-007: Diversity and Equal Opportunity- Discrimination and Harassment
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 14, 2019A. 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 MoreUSF6.0021: Student Code of Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 14, 2019Harassment – 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 MorePolicy 6-028: Events, Signage and Space Management
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: May 14, 2019Outdoor 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 MoreUSF6.0021: Student Code of Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 14, 2019Sexual 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 MorePolicy 6.026: Distribution of Material and Solicitation on Campus
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: May 14, 2019Non-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 MoreOffice of Student Rights & Responsibilities: Rights and Responsibilities
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: May 14, 2019Student Rights … The constitutional rights of freedom of expression and assembly. Read More
University of South Florida: Administrator Confuses Conservatives and Libertarians to Deny Group’s Recognition
October 15, 2010
The University of South Florida (USF) denied recognition to the conservative student organization Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), arguing that YAF was too “similar” to the libertarian Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) student group. YAF submitted its Chapter Constitution in April 2010, but Student Programs Coordinator Edna Jones Miller rejected the application several months later… Read more
University of South Florida: The ‘Heckler’s Veto’
January 29, 2002
Computer Science Professor Sami Al-Arian no longer faces termination for his alleged “disruption” of university activities, which FIRE protested through a letter from Alan Charles Kors to University of South Florida (USF) President Judy Genshaft. In the letter, Kors denounced USF’s termination of Professor Al-Arian due to FIRE’s belief that his firing was an example… Read more
Boston College Students Experience the Benefits of True Civil Debate
October 7, 2013
“Civility” is one of the words that sets off alarm bells at FIRE. (No, it’s not because we’re unusually rude.) Many universities have enacted “civility codes,” ostensibly to maintain a respectful and inclusive atmosphere on campus. But, as my colleague Samantha Harris has pointed out, this is often censorship by another name. If you curtail… Read more
USF Student Newspaper Reports on Speech Codes; Administration Defensive
July 12, 2013
The University of South Florida’s student newspaper, The Oracle, published a comprehensive story on free speech at USF this week. The article leads off with an example that illustrates a problem all too common on today’s college campuses: Students seek to express themselves on an issue of political or social importance, but instead of helping… Read more
USF Polytechnic Clears Student of Disciplinary Charges For Sending Critical Emails
December 16, 2011
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the troubles faced by University of South Florida Polytechnic student Michael Nacrelli. To bring you up to speed: Nacrelli, a Student Government senator, faced charges of "disruptive conduct" and "failure to follow instructions" last month following a series of emails criticizing student government on which he copied… Read more
Double Standard at USF Parodied by Mike Adams
December 1, 2010
Did the University of South Florida (USF) deny recognition to the Young Pakistani student group because they were too "similar" to the Young Indian student group? Read Mike Adams’ parody of what happened to the conservative Young Americans for Freedom when USF denied recognition to them for being too "similar" to coexist with the libertarian… Read more
University Recognizes Young Americans for Freedom: Conservative and Libertarian Groups Were Too ‘Similar’ to Coexist
November 30, 2010
TAMPA, Nov. 30, 2010—The University of South Florida (USF) has reversed its denial of recognition to the conservative Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) student group. USF had argued that YAF was too “similar” to the libertarian Young Americans for Liberty on campus. After USF denied YAF’s application for recognition, YAF came to the Foundation for… Read more
Whose Far Is ‘Too Far’?
February 15, 2005
While many agree that Ward Churchill’s academic freedom should be protected, many have also condemned his essay and, outside of his expression, have also condemned him—by questioning and ridiculing his character and ethnic background. Despite others’ negative interpretations of his words and assessment of his competence, Churchill recently received a standing ovation when giving a… Read more
University of South Florida Makes a U-Turn: FIRE and the Case of Sami Al-Arian
August 30, 2002
TAMPA, Fla., August 30, 2002—Vindicating FIRE’s position, the University of South Florida (USF) has abandoned its claim that negative reactions to Professor Sami Al-Arian’s otherwise protected speech constituted appropriate grounds to fire him. USF now has set forth charges of sanctionable and criminal behavior against the tenured professor of computer science, against which he now… Read more
Academia’s Swindle
August 13, 2002
Amid New Probe Al-Arian Speaks
February 23, 2002
Al-Arian Says Federal Probe is All About Politics
February 23, 2002
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