Red Light School

East Carolina 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: Public
Federal Circuit: Fourth Circuit
Head of Institution: Chancellor Steve Ballard
East Carolina University
Chancellor's Office
Spilman 103
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252-328-1400
Chancellor@ecu.edu
Website: http://www.ecu.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)

Green light: University Policies and Regulations: Student Conduct Process 12-13

Directing action toward a particular individual or group in a manner which is unwelcome and, under the totality of the circumstances, so severe, pervasive, or objectively offensive that it undermines and/or detracts from the target’s academic pursuits, participation in University-sponsored activities, or employment effectively denying equal access to University resources and opportunities.
View full policy (PDF, 861 KB).

Yellow light: University Policies and Regulations: Racial and Ethnic Harassment Policy 12-13

The following constitute racial and/or ethnic harassment:

a. Singling out people because of their race or ethnic affiliation and subjecting them to unequal or unfair treatment.

b. Harming, attempting to harm, or threatening to harm people because of their race and/or ethnic affiliation.
View full policy (PDF, 697 KB).

Yellow light: University Policies and Regulations: Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Conflict of Interest Policies 12-13

The following constitute sexual harassment:

a. Making verbal remarks or committing physical actions that propose to people of either sex that they engage in or tolerate activities of a sexual nature in order to avoid some punishment or to receive some reward

b. Singling out people of either sex and creating or attempting to create a hostile university or working environment or otherwise attempting to harm or harming people because of their sex

c. Continuing verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the person or persons the conduct is directed toward has indicated clearly, by word or action, that this conduct is unwanted.
View full policy (PDF, 729 KB).

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

Red light: University Policies and Regulations: Residence Hall Policies and Guidelines 12-13

Campus residents are individually and collectively responsible for their behavior and are fully accountable for their actions. Residents must be aware of the differences that exist in the residential community in order to avoid actions that belittle other groups or individuals. Bigotry has no place within the East Carolina residential community, nor does the right to denigrate another individual on the basis of age, physical challenge, national origin, sexual orientation, race, political affiliation, gender, or religious affiliation. Verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, violence, or other forms of harassment against any member of the residential community will not be tolerated. Likewise, we will not accept ignorance, anger, alcohol, or substance abuse as an excuse, reason, or rationale for such behavior.
View full policy (PDF, 782 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Yellow light: Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities: The East Carolina Creed 12-13

As an East Carolinian,

I will carry out personal and academic integrity.

I will respect and appreciate the diversity of our people, ideas, and opinions.

I will be thoughtful and responsible in my words and actions.

I will engage in purposeful citizenship by serving as a positive role model.

Adherence to these moral principles is the obligation of every East Carolinian on- and off-campus.
View full policy (PDF, 634 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: Assemblies and Public Addresses in Designated Public Forum 11-12

East Carolina University permits assemblies and public addresses (hereinafter referred to as "Event" or "Events") by University, student, and non-University-sponsored individuals or groups at the University’s Designated Public Forum. Unless an Event is sponsored by a University entity, it will not be allowed in areas or facilities other than the Designated Public Forum.
"Designated Public Forum" is defined as the area located in the four-sided green space adjacent to the Cupola, which is adjacent to well-traveled pedestrian sidewalks, and has been open to public speech by tradition and administrative approval. The extent of the site is the area to the South of the Cupola bounded by sidewalks on all four sides.
View full policy (PDF, 83 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: University Student and Employee Computer Use Policy 12-13

Employees and students may access these technologies for personal uses if the following restrictions are followed: ... The use does not conflict with appropriate standards of civility and common courtesy or respect for the rights and privacy of others.
View full policy (PDF, 336 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 August 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.