University of Delaware

Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. Read more here.

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Third Circuit
Head of Institution: President Dr. Patrick T Harker
University of Delaware
Office of the President
104A Hullihen Hall
Newark, DE 19717
302-831-2111
roselle@udel.edu
Website: http://www.udel.edu

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Do you have any information, updates, or changes regarding the policies at this institution? Let us know!

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)

Student Guide to University Policies: Code of Conduct- Sexual Harassment 10-11

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unlawfully
interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or unlawfully
creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic
environment.
The following types of actions may constitute sexual harassment, whether the
harasser is a co-worker, supervisor, student or faculty member: ... b. persistent, unwelcome flirtation, requests for dates, advances or
propositions of a sexual nature;
c. unwanted touching such as patting, pinching, hugging or repeated
brushing against an individual's body;
d. repeated degrading or insulting comments that demean an individual's
sexuality or sex;
e. unwarranted displays of sexually suggestive objects or pictures ....
View full policy (PDF, 147 KB).

Student Guide to University Policies: Code of Conduct- Other Unlawful Harassment 10-11

Other unlawful harassment includes any verbal or physical conduct toward
another that is based on the other's race, color, sex, religion, national origin,
disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and
that (1) unlawfully creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning and/
or working environment or (2) unlawfully interferes with an individual's work
or academic performance.
View full policy (PDF, 147 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Student Centers Policies: Use of Campus Buildings and Grounds by Students and On Campus Groups 10-11

Use of public areas by student organizations is limited to spaces that are typically used by students for gathering, including the athletic fields, the Green, Old College Lawn, Academy Building Lawn, Harrington Beach, Laird Turf, Dining Hall lobbies and the Student Centers patios.
Recognized student organizations seeking to hold events on the grounds or public areas of buildings must submit an Outside Facilities Use Request Form (only available in 218 Trabant) with approval of the Director of the Student Centers or his or her designee.
View full policy (PDF, 327 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

The Code of the Web 10-11

All five of these topics are critically important to University computing users. Some issues require you to learn how to protect your computer; others require that you learn the rules that govern your behavior. Together, they make up the Code of the Web. ... Don't be a rattlesnake who sends threatening, obscene, or otherwise poisonous e-mail.
View full policy (PDF, 99 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Student Centers Policies: Campus Speakers 10-11

The costs of all necessary arrangements must be absorbed by the host organization. (The host group is responsible for ensuring the safety of the speaker as well as those who listen, and the expense for such arrangements must be borne by the host group.)
View full policy (PDF, 327 KB).

Student Guide to University Policies: Code of Conduct- Disruptive Conduct 10-11

Specific violations of this standard include, but are not limited to: ... Making, exhibiting, or producing any inappropriate, loud, or disruptive noise or behavior.
View full policy (PDF, 147 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Faculty Handbook: Freedom of Inquiry and Expression 10-11

Members of the University Community are free to examine and to discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. They are free to support causes by orderly means including any means of peaceful assembly or advocacy that do not infringe upon the rights or freedoms of others.
View full policy (PDF, 79 KB).

Student Centers Policies: Distribution of Published Materials on Campus 10-11

Freedom of expression is absolutely essential to the life of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 327 KB).

NOTE: You must have Adobe Acrobat installed to view policies in PDF format.

The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in June 2011. 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.