School Spotlight
University of Washington
Speech Code Rating
Student Conduct Code: Prohibited Conduct
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: March 22, 2018(7) Computer abuses. Computer abuses include, but are not limited to: … Use of university computing facilities or resources to send intimidating, harassing, or threatening messages. […] (9) Discriminatory harassment. Discriminatory harassment is language or conduct directed at a person because of the per... Read MoreHousing & Food Services: Resident Handbook- Bias-related Incidents
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: March 22, 2018Bias-related conduct is behavior that by intent, action and/or outcome may offend, harm or threaten to harm a person or group. Such behavior is usually motivated by prejudice toward a person or group because of factors such as race, religion, ethnicity, disability, national origin, age, gender or sexual orientation.... Read More2017-2018 9-Month Housing Agreement
Speech Code Category: Bullying Policies
Last updated: March 22, 2018I will not participate in any action or situation involving physical or mental abuse, harassment, bullying, cyber-bullying, intimidation, hazing, pranks and/or other conduct that recklessly or intentionally endangers or threatens the health, safety or welfare of any person or results in damage to University property... Read MoreRSO Policy Guide: Handbill Distribution
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: March 22, 2018Non-commercial handbills, leaflets, and similar materials may be distributed by regularly enrolled students, and by University personnel in public areas of the HUB, and in meeting rooms that have been reserved for their use, so long as such distribution does not materially or substantially interfere with the conduct... Read MoreReporting Bias Incidents: Frequently asked questions
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: September 20, 2018For the purposes of the Bias Incident Advisory Committee, a bias incident is any discrimination or harassment against a member of the university community based on perception of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or exp... Read More
University of Washington settles security fee censorship lawsuit, agrees to change policy and pay $122,500 in legal fees
June 20, 2018
On June 14, the University of Washington settled with the UW College Republicans over a $17,000 security fee imposed on the students for scheduling a rally with the conservative group Patriot Prayer. The settlement requires UW to create a viewpoint-neutral security fee policy and dole out $122,500 to the College Republicans for attorneys’ fees. The… Read more
University of Washington School of Law professors release letter denouncing viewpoint-based security fees
April 30, 2018
Professors at the University of Washington School of Law recently released a letter criticizing their university’s attempt to impose a security fee on a student group for hosting a controversial speaker. The letter provides a compelling review of the legal and policy reasons why universities must not charge student groups viewpoint-based security costs for their… Read more
Student Government at U. of Washington Unanimously Passes Free Speech Resolution
December 4, 2013
On November 26, all 100 members of the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW), the university’s student government, voted for the passage of a resolution supporting students’ right of free speech. The unanimous resolution (PDF) reads in part: WHEREAS, roughly 1 in 6 of America’s top colleges have so-called “free speech zones,” defined here as… Read more
Do School Admins Need to Have a Thicker Skin for Discussion of Social Issues?
December 2, 2013
I have to admit, I am tempted to have the text of this blog entry consist of the word “yes” and then head home for the day. A thick skin seems so self-evidently critical to the functioning of a free and democratic society that it’s hard to believe people need to be reminded of it…. Read more
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