School Spotlight
Virginia Commonwealth University
Speech Code Rating
Policy Library: Sex-Based Misconduct Policy – Interim
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 9, 2021Conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive and objectively offensive that it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the university... Read MorePolicy Library: Student Code of Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: September 9, 2021Students and registered student organization(s) (RSO) are encouraged to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects credit upon the university community and to model good citizenship in any community. Read MorePolicy Library: Student Code of Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: September 9, 2021Violations include, but are not limited to, unauthorized entry, unauthorized transfer of a file, use of another individual’s identification and/or password, use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another university member, use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene mes... Read MorePolicy Library: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy – Interim
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: September 9, 2021For the purpose of Title IX and this policy, sexual harassment is conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: … unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the universit... Read MoreDivision of Student Affairs: Bias Response Team
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: September 9, 2021A bias incident is an action taken by an individual or group that may involve but is not limited to, assault, damage to property, sending of threatening mail or e-mail, graffiti, stalking, verbal harassment and other bias-motivated behavior that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that an individual i... Read MorePolicy Library: Computer and Network Resources Use Policy
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: September 9, 2021VCU computer and network resources must not be used in connection with the following: Conduct that harasses, threatens, or otherwise causes harm to individuals in violation of university policy, or state or federal law. Read MoreGuide to Residential Living: Room Decorations
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: September 9, 2021The University encourages residents to consider the impact that any messages or items posted or displayed in residence hall space communicate directly with neighboring residents, hall mates and staff who pass. To support a safe and welcoming residential community, RLH staff, in consultation with the university Bias ... Read MorePolicy Library: Reservation and Use of Space
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: September 9, 2021The university is committed to creating an environment that fosters the exercise of protected speech and other expressive activity on university property while maintaining an atmosphere free of disruption to the mission of the university. It recognizes that the free expression of ideas and open inquiry are essential... Read More
Virginia Commonwealth University: Student Government Officials Allegedly Steal Campus Newspapers Over Critical Coverage
March 4, 2020
Members of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Student Government Association, including its president, were seen taking or trashing copies of the school paper, The Commonwealth Times, on February 26, 2020 — the same day as a front-page story detailing SGA members’ infighting. FIRE, joined by the Student Press Law Center, wrote to SGA president Breanna Harmon on… Read more
FIRE, SPLC write Virginia Commonwealth student government amid allegations that members — including the president — stole newspapers
March 4, 2020
FIRE and the Student Press Law Center sent a letter today to the president of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Student Government Association raising free press concerns amid allegations that she and other student government members stole hundreds of copies of the school newspaper when it featured coverage detailing infighting among SGA members. The letter to SGA… Read more
Students at Virginia Commonwealth Protest Proposed Policy on Demonstrations
April 24, 2012
In defense of their free speech rights, students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) recently took to protesting a proposed new policy aimed in part at student demonstrations at VCU. The policy in question prohibited the following: Participating in an on-campus or off-campus demonstration, riot or activity that disrupts the normal operations of the University and/or… Read more