Whitman College
Location: Walla Walla, Washington
Website: http://www.whitman.edu
Type: Private
Federal Circuit: 9th Circuit
Speech Code Rating
Whitman College 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: Whitman College Grievance Policy- Sexual Harassment
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 30, 2018Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive such that it unreasonably interferes with, limits or deprives someone of the ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational programs or employment opportunities.
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Further examples include:
• Unwelcome statements, jokes, gestures, pictures, intentional nonconsensual touching of an intimate body area, gender-based bullying, stereotyping, or other conduct that demeans, harasses, or intimidates
Bias Reporting and Response
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: May 30, 2018Whitman 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 individuals and our community.
If you have experienced or witnessed bias in the Whitman College community, you can report this using our online incident reporting form.
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The bias response process is not designed to replace or extend Whitman’s formal grievance policy. Not every incident of perceived bias violates Whitman College policy or the law. Yet, many of these incidents can still cause harm to members of our community and we believe it worthwhile to work toward an appropriate resolution in these cases. In cases where there is no clear violation of law or Whitman policy, will expect resolutions to be educational in nature and not punitive.
Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Other Prohibited Conduct
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility
Last updated: May 30, 2018Lewd, indecent, obscene expressions or disorderly conduct that infringes on the rights of others or disrupts the educational mission of the college is prohibited.
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Covert or overt abuse, harassment, or intimidation of members of the College community or others is prohibited.
Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Information Technology Policies
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: May 30, 2018Activities that violate the Acceptable Use Policy include, but are not limited to, those in the following list:
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Using electronic mail or other Information Technology resources to abuse, harass, or intimidate members of the college community and others on any basis including race, ethnic origin, creed, gender, or sexual orientation. Users are reminded that sexually suggestive materials displayed inappropriately in public places, the classroom, or the workplace may constitute sexual harassment.
Grievance Policy
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: May 30, 2018Whitman College recognizes that the educational process can be controversial and unsettling, particularly when one’s ideas or values are being challenged. The learning, working, and living environments might not always be comfortable for all members of the College community. The College neither censors nor censures speech simply because it is offensive or uncomfortable. In determining whether an act or expression constitutes discrimination or harassment, the context must be carefully reviewed and full consideration must be given to protection of individual rights, freedom of speech, and academic freedom.
Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Buildings and Grounds Usage
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: May 30, 2018- Circulars 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.
Grievance Policy: Discriminatory Harassment
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: May 30, 2018Discriminatory 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’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or manifestation, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal laws that is so severe or persistent or pervasive and objectively offensive that it unreasonably interferes with, limits, or denies a person’s ability to work, participate in, or benefit from the College’s educational programs or activities.
