School Spotlight
University of Southern Maine
Speech Code Rating
This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech.
University of Maine System Conduct Code
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 4, 2018Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: … such conduct interferes with an individual’s academic or work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, educatio... Read MoreUSM Bias Incident Report Form
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: May 4, 2018The University of Southern Maine supports and promotes diversity and does not condone any bias or harassment. USM encourages all faculty, staff and students to report incidents of bias or harassment. This form should be used by USM students, faculty and staff to report incidents of bias based on, but not limited to,... Read MoreUniversity of Maine System Student Conduct Code
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 4, 2018Harassment or Intimidation: Unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating working, educational, or living environment or behavior that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s academic or job performance and opportunities. Read MoreSexual Harassment Policy Brochure
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 4, 2018Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: … such conduct interferes with an individual’s academic or work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment, educational or living enviro... Read MoreResidence Hall Policies: Abuse
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 4, 2018Verbal or physical abuse, or the threat of physical abuse against any person in the residence halls or at any authorized event, or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person(s), is not allowed. Read MoreAcceptable Use of Information Resources Policy
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: May 4, 2018[U]nacceptable uses and behaviors include, but are not limited to: … – harassing other computer users or University staff; – intentionally and unnecessarily exposing others to material they may find personally unsuitable. Read MoreUniversity of Maine System Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Retaliation
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 4, 2018Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including sexual assault and sexual violence. Sexual harassment, including sexual assault, can involve persons of the same or opposite sex. Consistent with the law, this policy ... Read MoreUse of University Facilities & Grounds Policy
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: May 4, 2018Members of the University Community may conduct meetings, assemblies, and spontaneous demonstrations in all unrestricted areas of campus, provided that such meetings, assemblies, and demonstrations: (a) Are conducted in a lawful and orderly manner and in compliance with this policy and all other rules and regulation... Read MoreUse of University Facilities & Grounds Policy
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: May 4, 2018USM’s mission of education, research, and public service is dependent upon the free flow of ideas. Given this, protecting free speech activities is of fundamental importance to the University. We understand that the exchange of diverse viewpoints may, at times, expose people to ideas they find offensive and cr... Read More
REPORT: Artists clash with campus censors
July 10, 2018
Art purged for being “one-sided,” among other excuses Censors, often not understanding the message, ban art rather than grapple with its meaning PHILADELPHIA, July 10, 2018 — Art censorship is nothing new. Spanish conquistadors smashed ceramics of ancient Peruvian cultures that portrayed gay and lesbian sex. The Roman Catholic Church of the 15th century was… Read more
By censoring art, University of Southern Maine misses an opportunity
May 11, 2018
Last month, the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn campus removed three oil paintings from their Atrium Art Gallery by local painter Bruce Habowski, despite objections from the exhibition’s curator, after it was discovered that Habowski is a convicted sex offender. Habowski, of Waterville, Maine, was convicted of unlawful sexual contact in 1999. He was sentenced… Read more
Proposed University of Maine System policy unduly restricts faculty political activity
January 17, 2018
The University of Maine System Board of Trustees will consider a policy revision at a meeting later this month that would restrict how university employees engage in political activity. The policy, called “Institutional Authority on Political Matters,” unnecessarily restricts faculty political expression and needs some revisions before being adopted. For example, the policy would prevent… Read more
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