Red Light School

The Ohio State University

A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Sixth Circuit
Head of Institution: President E. Gordon Gee
The Ohio State University
Office of the President
205 Bricker Hall
190 North Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210
614-292-6446
gee.2@osu.edu
Website: http://www.osu.edu

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On this page, FIRE has excerpted policies that address speech and expression. You may download the full policy in .pdf form, below.

Restrictions on Expressive Rights

Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Yellow light: Sexual Harassment Policy 12-13

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature when it meets any of the following: ... Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work
or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for
working, learning, or living on campus. Sexual harassment can occur between any
individuals associated with the University, e.g., an employee and a supervisor; coworkers;
faculty members; a faculty, staff member, or student and a customer, vendor, or contractor;
students; or a student and a faculty member.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: ... A pattern of conduct that unreasonably interferes with the work or academic environment
(not legitimately related to the subject matter of a course) including:
1. Sexual comments or inappropriate references to gender.
2. Sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes, or anecdotes regardless of the means of
communication (oral, written, electronic, etc.).
3. Unwanted touching, patting, hugging, brushing against a person’s body, or staring.
4. Inquiries and commentaries about sexual activity, experience, or orientation.
5. The display of inappropriate sexually oriented materials in a location where others can
view them.
View full policy (PDF, 1070 KB).

Yellow light: Sexual Harassment: Frequently Asked Questions 12-13

What are some examples of sexual harassment?
Inappropriate behavior may include:
* Sexual jokes, innuendoes, gestures
* Unwanted flirtation, advances, or propositions
* Pressure for sex
* Leering
* Display of sexually suggestive objects/visuals
* Display/transmission of sexually suggestive electronic content
* Any unnecessary, unwanted physical contact
* Sexual assault (if this occurs, call the police immediately & maintain evidence)
View full policy (PDF, 265 KB).

Red light: Sexual Harassment Poster 12-13

Sexual harassment is illegal. Inappropriate behavior includes: * Sexual jokes, innuendoes, gestures * Unwanted flirtation, advances, or propositions * Pressure for sex * Leering * Display of sexually suggestive objects/visuals * Display/transmission of sexually suggestive electronic content * Any unnecessary, unwanted physical contact * Sexual assault
View full policy (PDF, 329 KB).

Yellow light: Residence Hall Handbook: Residents' Rights 12-13

Freedom from harassment, including sexual harassment, as well as
threats of intimidation and physical or emotional harm. This includes
acts of ethnic or racial intimidation, hazing, or harassment for
reasons of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual
orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
View full policy (PDF, 34 KB).

Policies on Bias and Hate Speech

Yellow light: Bias Assessment and Response Team: Report a Bias Incident 12-13

Ohio State has always prized freedom of thought and expression, respect for multiple points of view, and the civil and open expression of these views. Thus, it is important to understand that bias acts or hate crimes do not include speech or behavior that an individual or the institution merely disagreed with or found offensive or even obnoxious.
Bias Incidents: Acts or behavior motivated by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, veteran status, ethnic/national origin groups or sexual-orientation group. While these acts do not necessarily rise to the level of a crime, a violation of state law, University policy, or the student code of conduct; a bias act may contribute to creating an unsafe, negative, or unwelcome environment for the victim, anyone who shares the same social identity as the victim, and/or community members of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 112 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Code of Student Conduct: Introduction and Purpose 12-13

The core missions of the university are research, teaching and learning, and service. Preservation of academic freedom and free and open exchange of ideas and opinions for all members of the university are central to these missions.
View full policy (PDF, 1108 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in April 2013. According to FIRE’s research the substantive policies are current at least until this date. Directory information, including the name of the president of the college or university, may have been updated more recently. If any policy has been revised, or if you believe that we are in error, please contact us.