School Spotlight

University of Southern Maine

Location: Portland, Maine
Type: Public
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Speech Code Rating

University of Southern Maine 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
This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech. This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech. This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech.

  • University of Maine System Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Retaliation

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: June 11, 2019

    Sexual 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 p... Read More

  • Use of University Facilities & Grounds Policy: Use of Banners, Flyers, and Posters

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: June 11, 2019

    All flyers posted on general use bulletin boards and inside the residence halls on the USM campuses must be stamped by the Student Life office in either the Woodbury or Brooks Student Centers or the Dean’s Office at the Lewiston Campus. The office stamping the flyer will retain one copy of the flyer in their E... Read More

  • University of Maine System: Sexual Harassment in the Classroom and the Workplace

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: June 11, 2019

    SEXUAL HARASSMENT is unwelcome sexual attention that is a form of illegal sex discrimination under federal and state law. It is usually repeated behavior, but could be one serious incident. Sexual harassment may be blatant … [o]r sexual harassment may be more subtle – like staring, sexual jokes, or teasing, se... Read More

  • Acceptable Use of Information Resources Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: June 11, 2019

    [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 More

  • University of Maine System Student Conduct Code: Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: June 11, 2019

    Harassment: Repeated and/or severe acts of unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile working, educational, or living environment that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s academic or job performance and opportunities. Read More

  • Use of University Facilities & Grounds Policy: The Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: June 11, 2019

    Members 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 More

  • Use of University Facilities & Grounds Policy: The Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: June 11, 2019

    USM’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 cre... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been involved in any cases at this school.

  • 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