School Spotlight

Westfield State University

Location: Westfield, Massachusetts
Type: Public
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Speech Code Rating

Westfield State University 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

  • Policy 2170: Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Affirmative Action Plan

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    Sexual Harassment Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is prohibited when: … such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic or work professional performance or creating a sexually intimidating or hostile employment, educational, or living environment. Examples... Read More

  • Policy 2170: Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    Discriminatory harassment. A form of discrimination including verbal and/or physical conduct based on legally protected characteristics and/or membership in a protected class that: 1. has the purpose or effect of creating an objectively intimidating or hostile work or educational environment; 2. has the purpose or e... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Conduct Regulations and Procedures

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Bullying Policies
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    The following regulations demonstrate conduct that is prohibited and will subject students to disciplinary action. … 6. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, intimidation or threats to any member of the university community, visitor, or guest. 7. Harassing, intimidating, or bullying any member of the University commun... Read More

  • Policy 0380: Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    The University prohibits the use of its information technology resources for the following purposes: … for any political purpose; … to access or share sexually explicit, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate materials; … Read More

  • Policy 3020: Demonstration/Picketing

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    Faculty, staff and/or students must notify the Vice President, Student Affairs 48 hours in advance of any demonstration and or picketing activity. Read More

  • Policy 1340: University Anti-Bullying, Mobbing, and Harassment Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Bullying Policies
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    Bullying consists of abusive conduct relative to acts, omissions, or both, that a reasonable person would find hostile, based on the severity, nature, and frequency of the conduct and without regard to the method of delivery, such as verbal, written or electronic. Abusive conduct may include, but is not limited to: ... Read More

  • Bias Incident Response Team

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    A bias incident is described as any behavior or act—verbal, written or physical—which is personally directed against or targeted toward an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, natio... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Life and Related Policies- Residence Hall Policy, Posting Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    Individuals and groups wishing to advertise events or services that may be of interest to on-campus residents should contact the Office of Residential Life for permission. The Executive Director of Residential Services and Campus Life (or designee) reserves the right to refuse permission to advertise for those event... Read More

  • Student Handbook: Student Conduct Regulations and Procedures

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    Westfield State University recognizes that the student, as an adult member of society and a citizen of the United States of America, is entitled to respect and consideration and has the right to the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of speech, assembly and association. Read More

  • Policy 1010: Academic Freedom and Responsibility

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: May 21, 2019

    The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research. … The teacher is entitled to full freedom in research and in the exhibition, performance, and publication of the results of his/her research... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been publicly involved in any cases at this school.

  • Speech Code of the Month: Westfield State College

    February 3, 2010

    FIRE announces its Speech Code of the Month for February 2010: Westfield State College in Massachusetts. Westfield’s Student Handbook prohibits “discrimination,” which it defines to include “making disparaging remarks that insult or stigmatize a student’s cultural background or race” as well as “making insensitive remarks that reflect a student’s disability.” Westfield State College is a public… Read more