School Spotlight

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Type: Private

Speech Code Rating

Worcester Polytechnic Institute 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

  • Equal Opportunity, Anti-Discrimination & Harassment and Sexual Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Red
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: January 2, 2019

    Unlawful discrimination or harassment consists of treating a person differently in any WPI program or activity based on their race, sex, age, color, national origin, religion, genetic identity, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran stat... Read More

  • Undergraduate Housing Contract

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: January 2, 2019

    Only 30% of any single wall or door may be covered with posters and/or hangings. All such decorations must be affixed flat against the wall/ door. … Obscene or offensive materials are strictly prohibited. Read More

  • Acceptable Use Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
    Last updated: January 2, 2019

    Users must not use any WPI system or service for unethical or illegal activities. Users shall respect the privacy of others, use data only as authorized by the data owner, and not use WPI technology resources to harass or attack others. Read More

  • WPI Student Code of Conduct: Expectations of Student Behavior

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Other Speech Codes
    Last updated: January 2, 2019

    Listed below are broad categories of expectations and responsibilities to which all students are expected to abide. Each category includes examples of prohibited behaviors; however, the list is not exhaustive and the Dean of Students Office preserves the right to identify additional prohibited behaviors, as necessar... Read More

  • Equal Opportunity, Anti-Discrimination & Harassment and Sexual Harassment

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: January 2, 2019

    Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment where: … Such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person’s academic or work experience by creating an intimidating, hostile, humili... Read More

  • WPI Policy on Campus Events Involving External Speakers

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: January 2, 2019

    All events on campus, including events involving external speakers, must comply with all WPI policies, rules and regulations. Such events must not interfere with University property or the orderly conduct of University affairs or the University’s obligation to protect the right to teach, study, and freely exch... Read More
At present, FIRE has not been involved in any cases at this school.

  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Can’t Say They Didn’t Warn You

    December 22, 2005

    Prospective students beware: at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Mass., you don’t have nearly as many rights as your fellow students just down the road at Worcester State. That’s because, as a private institution, WPI is not bound by the U.S. Constitution, and WPI takes full advantage of that by stripping its students of… Read more