Location: Livingston, Alabama
Website: http://www.uwa.edu
Type: Public
Federal Circuit: 11th Circuit
University of West Alabama has been given the speech code rating Red. A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.
Red Light Policies
Student Handbook: Cyberbullying and Cyber Harassment Policy Statement
Speech Code Category: Bullying Policies
Last updated: February 8, 2016A safe and civil environment is necessary for students to be successful in their educational pursuits. Cyberbullying or cyber harassment by any member of the University of West Alabama community (student, faculty, staff, etc.) toward another individual constitutes conduct that disrupts the educational environment of the University. Examples of cyberbullying and cyber harassment include, but are not limited to, harsh text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. … The Code prohibits acts of cyberbullying or cyber harassment through the use of any electronic technology, which includes, but is not limited to, devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers and tablets as well as communication tools, including, but not limited to, text messages, chat platforms, websites and social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vine, and blogs. Students who use University networks or technology to conduct such activity may be disciplined in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.
Student Handbook: Facilities Conduct Policies
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: February 8, 2016Loud or abusive language is not conducive to a positive environment and will not be tolerated.
Student Handbook: Code of Student Conduct
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: February 8, 2016Violators of the Code of Student Conduct may be disciplined for the following:
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Physical or verbal abuse, threat of violence, intimidation, profanity and physical or mental harassment. Making obscene utterances, gestures, or displays; addressing harassing language, slanderous/libelous language, or fighting words to a person; following a person in or about a public place or places, (e.g., stalking); or engaging in a course of conduct or repeatledly committing acts that are disorderly.
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Lewd, obscene, licentious or indecent conduct or the verbal or written threat of such action against another person.
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Conduct unbecoming a student of The University of West Alabama.
Student Handbook: Sexual Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: February 8, 2016Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance, creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive University environment or limiting participation in University activities.
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Individuals who believe they are victims of gender-based misconduct (sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or sexual violence) may have the option of proceeding informally or formally. An individual may find informal resolution particularly appropriate if the conduct is isolated and of the following nature: sexual innuendo; display or distribution of drawings, pictures or other materials with a sexual content; sexual or “dirty” jokes; or comments with sexual content. Please note that the formal report process is available for gender-based misconduct of any nature and that these examples are not intended to discourage use of the formal report process.
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The following is a non-exclusive list of other offenses that fall under Title IX and this policy when gender-based: … Threatening or causing physical harm, extreme verbal abuse, or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person; … Bullying, defined as repeated and/or severe aggressive behavior likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control or diminish another person, physically or mentally (that is not speech or conduct otherwise protected by the 1st Amendment) ….
Student Handbook: Speaker Policy
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: February 8, 2016The University has designated a Free Speech Zone, near the steps of the Student Union Building (SUB), as the area where students, student organizations, faculty, and sponsored non-University, non-campus groups or individuals may speak and distribute materials.
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Federal Judge Warns of “Decreasing Tolerance for Truly Free Expression” at Colleges
March 29, 2016
By Rebecca Downs at Red Alert Politics Chief Judge Loretta A. Preska, of the U.S. District Court of Southern New York told Harvard Law students that she is concerned with campus “free speech zones,” and other threats to free speech, expression, and debate. Preska was invited by the school’s Federalist Society chapter to discuss “The Sad State of the First Amendment on Campuses Today.”… Read more here.
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Cyberbullying bill would tie harassment policies to aid
March 24, 2014
By Jake New at eCampus News Senator introduces legislation that would require universities to adopt cyberbullying policies to be eligible for financial aid programs When Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi jumped from the George Washington Bridge in 2010, the events leading to his death were a painful reminder that cyberbullying is not confined to middle schools. Clementi’s roommate, Dharun Ravi, had used a webcam to film the freshman kissing another male student, and then invited his Twitter followers to join him for a second viewing. Clementi complained to Rutgers officials about the incident, but committed suicide a day later. Now, two U.S. […]
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Speech Code of the Month: University of West Alabama
January 2, 2014
FIRE announces its Speech Code of the Month for January 2014: the University of West Alabama (UWA). The University of West Alabama has a new policy prohibiting “Cyberbullying and Cyber Harassment” (PDF) that subjects virtually every student and faculty member on campus to punishment. That is because the policy defines cyberbullying to include not only unlawful conduct and unprotected speech, but also “harsh text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.” Go ahead and read that one again: “harsh text messages or emails.” Given that a “harsh” text or email […]
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