State University of New York - Albany
A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.
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)
Community Rights and Responsibilities: Appendix B- Harassment/Sexual Harassment 11-12
Harassment or sexual harassment (as defined under Prohibited Conduct #4 and #5) can take a variety of forms. Classifications include: Sexual harassment, which may range from inappropriate sexual innuendoes to coerced sexual relations. Examples of sexual harassment that are unwelcome include but are not limited to: leering at a person’s body, unnecessary touching, pressure for sexual behaviors, sexually explicit statements communicated verbally, or through social networking sites, e-mail, and texting.
View full policy (PDF, 63 KB).
Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action: Discrimination Complaints- Sexual Orientation Discrimination and Harassment or Intolerance 11-12
Sexual orientation discrimination is defined as verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual because of his/her sexual orientation or assumed sexual orientation and that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work or educational environment.
Conduct considered sexual orientation harassment or discrimination include but are not limited to:
* Telling "jokes" that reinforce the false stereotypes related to lesbians, gays, transgendered persons, or bisexuals
* Displaying signs or posters that denigrate gays and lesbians ....
View full policy (PDF, 120 KB).
Office of Diversity and Affimative Action: Discrimination Complaints- Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault 11-12
A hostile environment occurs when unwelcome conduct, either sexual or sex-based, severe or pervasive, that offends, intimidates, ridicules, and insults an individual sufficiently enough to alter his/her work or learning environment.
In accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and University policy, UAlbany defines sexual harassment as "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 unreasonably interfering with a person's performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment.
In the University environment, conduct that may be considered sexually harassing for the same or opposite sex whether physical, verbal, visual, or written, include but are not limited to:
* lingering or intimate touches
* sexual jokes or innuendoes
* flirtations, e.g., repeated requests for dates
* sexual advances or propositions
* graphic comments about a person's physique
* sexually suggestive objects or pictures displayed in areas of common viewing
View full policy (PDF, 127 KB).
Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action: Discrimination Complaints- Racial Discrimination 11-12
This policy is directed at conduct that constitutes race discrimination under state and federal laws. Individuals' rights to free speech shall be considered in cases involving verbal statements or other forms of expression.
Racial harassment is a form of racial discrimination that is prohibited by state and federal law. Racial harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual or group because of their race, color, or national origin or that of their relatives, friends, or associates and that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work or educational environment.
View full policy (PDF, 122 KB).
Community Rights and Responsibilities: Prohibited Conduct- Harassment 11-12
Conduct that is so pervasive or severe that it effectively denies the individual reasonable access to University resources or opportunities.
View full policy (PDF, 108 KB).
Community Rights and Responsibilities: Prohibited Conduct- Sexual Harassment 11-12
Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to effectively alter or deny the individual reasonable access to University resources or that such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or sexually offensive environment for learning, working or living on campus.
View full policy (PDF, 108 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Responsible Use of Information Technology 11-12
As in other aspects of behavior in campus life, civility is expected at all times.
The University expects all users to respect the Principles for a Just Community when communicating via the University information technology facilities.
View full policy (PDF, 157 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Community Rights and Responsibilities: Appendix A- Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order 11-12
Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the objectives of a higher educational institution.
View full policy (PDF, 103 KB).
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in July 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.
