Western Illinois University
Location: Macomb, Illinois
Website: http://www.wiu.edu
Type: Public
Federal Circuit: 7th Circuit
Speech Code Rating
Western Illinois University 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
Non-Discrimination Policy
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: April 27, 2018The University defines discriminatory harassment as verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual because of his/her sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, genetic information, and veteran status, and that:
- has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment;
- has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work, study, or participation in University activities; or
- otherwise adversely affects an individual’s opportunities.
Harassing conduct includes:
- epithets; slurs; negative stereotyping; or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, genetic information, and veteran status;
- written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status and that is displayed on walls, windows, bulletin boards, or other public locations.
Sexual Misconduct & Gender Non-Discrimination Policy
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: April 27, 2018Gender harassment – subjecting a person to adverse treatment based on held gender stereotypes. Adverse treatment can include verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on gender or held gender stereotypes, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.
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Sexual harassment
- Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when: … such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual’s work or educational performance; or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity.
Examples of Sexual Harassment – may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- physical assault;
- direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment, work status, compensation, promotion, grades, or letters of recommendation;
- sexual advances, physical or implied, or direct propositions of a sexual nature. This activity may include inappropriate/unnecessary touching or rubbing against another, sexually suggestive or degrading jokes or comments, remarks of a sexual nature about one’s clothing and/or body, preferential treatment in exchange for sexual activity, and the inappropriate display of sexually explicit pictures, text, printed materials, or objects that do not serve an academic purpose;
- a pattern of conduct, which can be subtle in nature, that has sexual overtones and is intended to create, or has the effect of creating, discomfort and/or humiliation of another;
- remarks speculating about a person’s sexual activities or sexual history, or remarks about one’s own sexual activities or sexual history, that do not serve a medical or academic purpose, …
Faculty Policies: Just and Equal Treatment
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: April 27, 2018The faculty of Western Illinois University has a responsibility in all professional activities–teaching and other primary duties, research and other creative activities, and service–to act in a manner which supports the principle of just and equal treatment for all people regardless of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This responsibility shall include, but not be limited to, the use of inclusive oral and written language. “Inclusive Language” is defined as language that is neutral with respect to sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Residence Hall Handbook: Decorating your Room
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: April 27, 2018While you may decorate the inside of your room to suit your tastes, the outside of your door and window are considered available to public view. The University will not allow the posting of items which are deemed to be racist, sexist, indecent, scandalous, illegal, inciting, or in any way oppressive in nature. These items may be removed, and disciplinary action may be taken.
Distribution of Printed Materials and Collection of Signatures Policy
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: April 27, 2018Distribution of printed materials or solicitation of signatures on sidewalks within the campus is limited to the daylight hours and is restricted to the following areas:
- The walkways and open area traditionally known as the “free speech area” directly to the north of the University Union.
- The south campus area adjacent to the University Union and covering the open spaces between Seal, Sallee, Browne, and Memorial Halls.
Code of Student Conduct
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: April 27, 2018Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions, including separation from the University or a lesser sanction authorized by the Code. …
[A]cts of physical or verbal abuse.
Code of Student Conduct: Introduction
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: April 27, 2018As citizens of the larger community in which the University is located, students retain the rights and responsibilities common to all citizens; affiliation with the University does not diminish the rights or responsibilities held by a student or any other community member as a citizen of the State, the nation, or the world.