School Spotlight
Whitman College
Speech Code Rating
Grievance Policy: Sexual Harassment
Speech Code Rating: Red
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: July 16, 2019Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive and objectively offensive such that it unreasonably interferes with, limits, or deprives someone of the ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational pro... Read MoreBias Reporting and Response
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: July 16, 2019Whitman College is committed to building a campus community that is diverse, equitable and inclusive of all students, staff and faculty. Bias incidents—that cause hurt or discomfort based on individual characteristics such as race, gender, religion or sexual orientation—disrupt these goals and can cause harm to indi... Read MoreStudent Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Other Prohibited Conduct
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: July 16, 2019Lewd, indecent, obscene expressions, or disorderly conduct that infringes on the rights of others or disrupts the educational mission of the College is prohibited. … Covert or overt abuse, harassment, or intimidation of members of the College community or others is prohibited. Read MoreStudent Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Information Technology Policies
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: July 16, 2019Activities that violate the Acceptable Use Policy include, but are not limited to, those in the following list: … Using electronic mail or other Information Technology resources to abuse, harass, or intimidate members of the College community on any basis including race, ethnic origin, creed, gender, or sexu... Read MoreGrievance Policy: Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: July 16, 2019Whitman College recognizes that the educational process can be controversial and unsettling, particularly when one’s ideas or values are being challenged. It is not the proper role of the College to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions that they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive... Read MoreStudent Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Buildings and Grounds Usage
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: July 16, 2019Circulars and handbills may be distributed by members of the College community on the College campus. Distribution of circulars and handbills shall not interfere with the educational program or other events and activities, nor interfere with movement to and from activities or facilities. Read MoreGrievance Policy: Discriminatory Harassment
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: July 16, 2019Discriminatory Harassment is an unwelcome action based on an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, gender, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal laws that is so seve... Read More
Whitman College: Prior Review of Student Listservs
May 4, 2020
In April 2020, Whitman College instituted a policy of prior review of messages on student email listservs. This decision came in the wake of controversial posts on a “confessions” Instagram account, to which students could anonymously submit posts. Students used a listserv to engage in conversations about these “confessions” posts. On May 1, FIRE wrote… Read more
Whitman College restricts the listservs students rely on to remain in touch during COVID-19
May 4, 2020
When Whitman College students left for spring break on March 13, administrators encouraged them not to return to campus. Just like other colleges and universities across the country, Whitman students (or “Whitties,” as they are known in the community) evacuated campus, returned to hometowns around the world, and began adapting to their new normal of… Read more
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