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: College Regulations- Discrimination and Harassment 10-11
unwelcome sexual advances, requests, and other unwelcome conduct of a sexual
nature where: ... Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an
individual's academic or professional performance or of creating an intimidating,
hostile or demeaning employment or educational environment.
Student Handbook: College Regulations- Discrimination and Harassment 10-11
unauthorized incidents and/or patterns of conduct and/or speech that is severe,
persistent or pervasive when such conduct is based on a person or persons' race,
color, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, or age, and which:
a) The harasser either knows, or should know, will have the effect of making
the College environment hostile, intimidating, or demeaning to the
victim, and
b) In fact renders the College environment (including the work or study
environment) hostile, intimidating, or demeaning for the victim.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Student Handbook: College Regulations- Academic Freedom and Responsibility 10-11
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 10-11
verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion, and/or other conduct that substantially interferes with the living, learning, or working environment, is prohibited.
Student Handbook: Student Rights, Privileges, and Responsibilities 10-11
for the rights and sensitivities of others.
Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Student Handbook: Bias Incident and Hate Crime Protocol 10-11
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 May 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.
