School Spotlight
Worcester State University
Speech Code Rating
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education: Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan- Policy Against Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment and Retaliation
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: July 26, 2022Discriminatory harassment. A form of unlawful 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, hostile or offensive work or educational environment; 2. ... Read MoreStudent Code of Conduct: Rules and Regulations
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: July 26, 2022Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in the Conduct Procedures. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive. … Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person including but not limited to: … verbal abuse ... Read MoreBias Incident Response Team
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Last updated: July 26, 2022The Bias Incident Response Team or BIRT, is a group of administrators, faculty, staff and students representing various campus divisions, departments, and disciplines which provides a comprehensive response to bias incidents and hate crimes that effects the campus community. What Will BIRT Do? • Promote a safe and w... Read MoreStudent Code of Conduct: Rules and Regulations
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Other Speech Codes
Last updated: July 26, 2022Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in the Conduct Procedures. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive. … Conduct unbecoming of a member of the WSU Community … Read MoreNetwork Acceptable Use Policy
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
Last updated: July 26, 2022WSU at any time may make determinations that particular uses are not consistent with the purposes of the WSU network. Read MoreStudent Code of Conduct: Rules and Regulations
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Bullying Policies
Last updated: July 26, 2022Bullying, defined as the severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student or a member of the Worcester State University community that has the effect of: • Causing physical or emotional ... Read MoreStudent Code of Conduct: Introduction
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: July 26, 2022In addition to the basic rights granted by the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, members of the Worcester State University community share some other rights crucial for the conduct of free inquiry that is central to Worcester State University’s mission. Read MoreMA State Universities Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy
Speech Code Rating: Green
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: July 26, 2022Section V.1 Title IX Prohibited Sexual Harassment (a) Sexual Harassment The Universities prohibit, under this Policy, conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following conditions: … Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it... Read More
Worcester State University: Denial of Recognition of Turning Point USA
April 21, 2020
In February 2020, Worcester State University students Anthony Winship and Alvin Marchena appeared before the Student Government Association on behalf of their proposed student organization, a student chapter of Turning Point USA. After the presentation, they fielded questions from student senators concerning their views and the views of the national organization. On March 5, the… Read more
VICTORY: Worcester State can’t defend viewpoint discrimination, finally agrees to allow TPUSA students to recruit on campus
June 17, 2020
WORCESTER, Mass., June 17, 2020 — The Worcester State University chapter of Turning Point USA, previously denied student group recognition by the student government because of its conservative viewpoint, now has most privileges of an official student organization. The university’s counsel clarified the group’s status on Thursday following discussions with the Foundation for Individual Rights… Read more
Worcester State stands idle as student government violates First Amendment
April 21, 2020
On Feb. 27, Worcester State University students Tony Winship and Alvin Marchena appeared before WSU’s student government association on behalf of their proposed student organization, a chapter of Turning Point USA. After the presentation, SGA senators grilled the students on their viewpoints, the “morals and values” of their national affiliate, and the potential impact their… Read more