Red Light School

Syracuse 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: Private
Federal Circuit: Second Circuit
Head of Institution: Chancellor Nancy Cantor
Syracuse University
300 Tolley Administration Building
Syracuse, NY 13244
315-443-2235
chancellor@syr.edu
Website: http://www.syracuse.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)

Yellow light: Syracuse University Policies: Student Code of Conduct 12-13

Conduct which threatens the mental health, physical health, or safety of any
person or persons ....
Harassment, whether physical or verbal, oral or written, which is beyond the bounds of protected free speech, directed at a specific individual(s), easily construed as "fighting words," and likely to cause an immediate breach of the peace.
View full policy (PDF, 319 KB).

Yellow light: Syracuse University Policies: Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy 12-13

Syracuse University defines sexual harassment as unwelcome
behavior of a sexual nature that relates to the gender or sexual identity of
an individual and that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating or
hostile environment for study, work, or social living.
Sexual harassment as a concept encompasses the full range of coercive, unwelcome
behavior, from subtle psychological force, to gross physical abuse. These
acts may be visual (such as leering, ogling, and physical gestures conveying a
sexual meaning), verbal (e.g., sexual innuendoes, suggestive remarks, sexually
derogatory jokes), written (e-mail, cartoons or letters), or physical (such as hugging,
pinching or fondling).
View full policy (PDF, 554 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Syracuse University Policies: Computing and Electronic Communications Policy 12-13

The following are examples of improper use of the Computer System:
...
Harassment: Harassing others by sending annoying, abusive, profane, threatening, defamatory or offensive messages is prohibited. Some examples include: obscene, threatening, or repeated unnecessary messages; sexually, ethnically, racially, or religiously offensive messages; continuing to send messages after a request to stop; and procedures that hinder a computer session.
View full policy (PDF, 420 KB).

Policies on Bias and Hate Speech

Yellow light: Bias Incident Reporting Form 12-13

Below are categories that correspond to the types of bias incidents. Check all that apply. ... Inappropriate verbal comment ... Offensive classroom comment ....
As a student of SU, you have an obligation to take an active role in fostering an appreciation for diversity and sending the message loud and clear that bias-related acts will not be tolerated.
View full policy (PDF, 382 KB).

Yellow light: STOP Bias: What is Bias 12-13

Some examples of bias incidents include:
* Telling jokes
* Name-calling
* Stereotyping
* Offensive graffiti
* Avoiding or excluding others
Bias-related incidents are defined as behavior which constitutes an expression of hostility against the person or property of another because of the targeted person's age, creed, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, political or social affiliation, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Even when offenders are not aware of bias or intend to offend, bias may be revealed which is worthy of a response and can serve as an opportunity for education.
View full policy (PDF, 113 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Syracuse University Policies: Campus Disruption Policy 12-13

Syracuse University is committed to the principle that freedom of discussion is essential to the search for truth and, consequently, welcomes and encourages the expression of dissent.
View full policy (PDF, 310 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in November 2012. 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.