North Carolina State University - Raleigh
Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. 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)
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Statement 12-13
Hostile Environment harassment occurs when both a reasonable person would find the conduct hostile or abusive and the person who is the object of the conduct perceives the conduct to be hostile or abusive. A hostile environment is determined by looking at all of the circumstances, including the frequency of the conduct, the severity of the conduct, and whether the conduct unreasonably interferes with one’s work or academic performance.
Harassment is unwelcome conduct based upon race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation that either 1) creates a quid pro quo situation, or 2) creates a hostile working or learning environment.
View full policy (PDF, 207 KB).
Code of Student Conduct: Non-Academic Misconduct- Harassment 12-13
No student shall engage in harassment that creates a hostile environment. Harassment that creates a hostile educational environment includes conduct that is
(i) Directed toward a particular person or persons;
(ii) Based upon the person’s membership in a protected class;
(iii) Severe or pervasive;
(iv) Objectively offensive; and
(v) So unreasonably interferes with the target person’s employment, academic pursuits, or ability to participate in University programs or University-sponsored activities as to effectively deny equal access to the University’s resources and opportunities.
View full policy (PDF, 678 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
University Housing: Civility Statement 12-13
The University Housing Civility Statement is not intended to interfere in any way with an individual's academic or personal freedoms. We hope that individuals will voluntarily endorse the expectations outlined below, helping to create a residential environment that helps all students achieve their academic goals.
As a member of our residential community, students will: ... * Speak to each other in a civil manner. ... * Refrain from displaying items that are disrespectful and hurtful to others. ... * Confront behavior or report to staff incidents of incivility and intolerance.
View full policy (PDF, 42 KB).
Free Speech Zones
Solicitation 12-13
Groups wishing to conduct any form of solicitation on University premises must have the written permission of the SORC in advance. All forms of solicitation must be approved by SORC, and, if applicable, by the administrator responsible for the facility or location where the activity is to be held.
"Non-Commercial Solicitation" means any distribution of leaflets, brochures or other written material, or oral speech to assemblies or passersby, conducted without intent to obtain commercial or private pecuniary gain. This definition does not include the dissemination of information for purposes of the administrative, academic, research, or extension activities of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 344 KB).
Assemblies, Events, and Public Addresses 12-13
Assemblies, events, and public addresses must be approved by SORC and, if applicable, the person responsible for the facility or location where the activity is to be held. Permission from SORC will be granted, subject to reasonable time, place, or manner limits. In addition, permission may be limited to events that are consistent with the University’s mission and purpose of the location.
Anyone who wishes to sponsor or organize an assembly, event, or public address on University premises must apply to the SORC for a permit. ... The application for a permit must be received at least 48 hours before the proposed time and date of the event.
View full policy (PDF, 293 KB).
Posting Policies
University Housing: Public Space 12-13
Space beyond the interior of one's assigned room (e.g., windows and door exteriors) is considered to be public space and, therefore, is maintained under the jurisdiction of University Housing. Residents have the right to approach anyone who displays a decoration which they believe to be offensive or obscene in order to discuss their concern. Students will be asked to remove offensive material from public view.
View full policy (PDF, 35 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Expression of Views by Visiting Speakers 12-13
The University of North Carolina is dedicated to the transmission and advancement of knowledge and understanding. Academic freedom is essential to the achievement of these purposes. The University, therefore, supports and encourages freedom of inquiry for faculty members and students to the end that they may responsibly pursue these goals through teaching, learning, research, discussion, and publication, free from internal or external restraints that would unreasonably restrict their academic endeavors.
View full policy (PDF, 205 KB).
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in April 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.
