Vassar College
When a private university states clearly that it holds a certain set of values above a commitment to freedom of speech, FIRE does not rate that university.
| Public or Private: | Private | |
| Federal Circuit: | Second Circuit | |
| Head of Institution: | President Catharine B Hill Vassar College 124 Raymond Ave Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 845-437-7200 chill@vassar.edu |
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| Website: | http://www.vassar.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 Handbook: Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment 12-13
as unwelcome gender-based verbal or physical conduct that it sufficiently
severe, persistent or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, limits, or
deprives someone of the ability to participate in or benefit from the college’s
educational program or activities or employment benefits or opportunities.
include, but are not limited to, ... Unwelcome, sexually explicit messages, statements, or materials ... Gender-based bullying
Student Handbook: Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment 12-13
individual based on the individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion
or religious belief, citizenship status, sex, marital status, disability, pregnancy,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military
service or affiliation, genetic information, or age that is so severe, persistent,
or pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering
with an individual’s employment or educational performance or creating an
intimidating, hostile, offensive, or abusive environment for that individual’s
employment, education, living environment, or participation in a college
activity.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Student Handbook: College Regulations- Academic Freedom and Responsibility 12-13
which it is governed. Because Vassar is a residential college, and because it seeks
diversity in its membership, individuals have a particular obligation beyond that
of society at large to exercise self-restraint, tolerance for difference, and regard for
the rights and sensitivities of others. When individuals violate their obligation to
the community, such as through the denigration of groups within the college, it
is not simply a matter for those particular groups, but it offends the sensibilities
of the entire community. The strength and health of the college rests on the affirmation by all of its members of these principles of freedom with responsibility
and respect for others.
Student Handbook: College Regulations- Disruptive Conduct 12-13
verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion, and/or other conduct that substantially interferes with the living, learning, or working environment, is prohibited.
Student Handbook: College Regulations 12-13
for the rights and sensitivities of others.
Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Student Handbook: Bias Incident and Hate Crime Protocol 12-13
is characterized as a behavior or act -- verbal, written, or physical -- which is
personally directed against or targets an individual or group based on perceived or
actual characteristics such as race, color, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, disability,
veteran status, or age. Behavior reflecting bias may constitute a violation of Vassar
College regulations.
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.
