Red Light School

Stevens Institute of Technology

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

Public or Private: Private
Federal Circuit: Third Circuit
Head of Institution: President Nariman Farvardin
Stevens Institute of Technology
Office of the President
Wesley J. Howe Center, 13th floor
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-216-5213
president@stevens.edu
Website: http://www.stevens.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)

Red light: Student Handbook: Sexual Harassment and Assault 12-13

Other sexual harassing behavior, regardless of how conducted or communicated, even if done in the guise of humor, is also prohibited. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse of a sexual nature (e.g. cat calls, sexual/sexist jokes, comments regarding a person's attire, body or reputation);
...
offensive sexual flirtations: displaying lewd or graphic material; or displaying or discussing materials pertaining to males or females in a demeaning manner.
For purposes of Institute policy, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when
...
(3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's work performance or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working, living, or learning environment.
View full policy (PDF, 115 KB).

Yellow light: Code of Conduct: Abuse and Harassment 12-13

Harassing, in person, by telephone, in writing, or by other means, annoying or alarming another person, attempting or threatening to strike, kick or otherwise subject another person to physical contact, addressing abusive language to any person, following a person in or about an Institute location or locations, or engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts that alarm or seriously annoy another person.
View full policy (PDF, 234 KB).

Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities 12-13

The right of respect for personal feelings, freedom from indignity, and to expect an education of the highest quality.
View full policy (PDF, 143 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Conduct Required 12-13

All individuals shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the mission of the university.
Any student who fails to conduct himself/herself in such a manner violates this code and a
disciplinary sanction may be imposed. The following are behaviors consistent with the Student Code
of Conduct: ... Respect by treating others with civility and decency.
View full policy (PDF, 62 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Policies and Rules of the Residence Halls: Public Displays and Postings 12-13

Residents are not permitted to post, hang or display anything that may be deemed offensive or inappropriate by any student, administrator or guest. This includes but is not limited to posters, flyers and white-board messages in hallways, on doors or anywhere visible from the exterior. It is the responsibility of all residents to confirm with the Office of Residence Life that any item to be posted is allowed, prior to posting.
View full policy (PDF, 270 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy 12-13

While the Internet is considered a public electronic highway, the Stevens network is a private resource. As such, access and use of the network must [be] in accordance with Stevens' rules and policies as well as all legal regulations. Therefore, the following actions are strictly prohibited:
...
* Use of offensive or discriminatory language.
* Transmission of any graphic image, sound or text that is sexual in nature.
*Harass, threaten, or otherwise invade the privacy of others.
View full policy (PDF, 70 KB).

Yellow light: Code of Conduct: Disruptive Conduct 12-13

Computer abuse - this includes but is not limited to ... disruptive or annoying behavior on the College's computer system.
View full policy (PDF, 234 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Policy on Academic Freedom 12-13

Stevens Institute of Technology's central functions of teaching, learning, research, and scholarship depend upon an atmosphere in which freedom of inquiry, thought, expression, publication, and peaceable assembly are given the fullest protection. Expression of the widest range of viewpoints is encouraged, free from institutional orthodoxy and from internal or external coercion.
View full policy (PDF, 158 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 March 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.