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 10-11
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.
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.
View full policy (PDF, 86 KB).
Code of Student Conduct: Non-Academic Misconduct- Harassment 10-11
No student shall engage in unlawful harassment leading to a hostile environment. Unlawful harassment is conduct that creates a hostile environment by meeting the following criteria: it is (a) directed toward a particular person or persons; (b) based upon the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender-identity, creed, disability, or veteran status; (c) unwelcome; (d) severe or pervasive; (e) objectively offensive; and (f) so unreasonably interferes with the target person’s employment, academic pursuits, or participation in University-sponsored activities as to effectively deny equal access to the University’s resources and opportunities.
View full policy (PDF, 165 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
University Housing: Civility Statement 10-11
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, 196 KB).
Free Speech Zones
Solicitation, Assemblies, and Public Addresses Regulation 10-11
The University permits assemblies and public addresses by University, Student, and Non-University groups or individuals at the University Plaza (the Brickyard). Groups (including individuals) must obtain permission only from Campus Activities. Permission from Campus Activities will be granted, subject only to reasonable time, place, or manner limits. The University may not create restrictions based on the lawful content of speech.
Assemblies and public addresses in other non-residence hall areas must also be approved by Campus Activities, and, if applicable, the person responsible for the building where the activity is to be held. In addition to time, place, and manner restrictions, permission may be limited to content that is consistent with the University purpose of the location, provided there is no "viewpoint discrimination."
Anyone who wishes to sponsor or organize an assembly or public addresses must apply to Campus Activities or telephone 919-515-2451 or mail or visit at 3114 Talley Student Center, Campus Box 7306, Raleigh, NC 27695) for a permit. The application must be received at least 48 hours before the proposed time and date of the event. ... The University may waive the 48-hour requirement for good cause, provided that waivers are based on neutral criteria and not on the content of the event or the viewpoint of the sponsors.
View full policy (PDF, 101 KB).
Posting Policies
University Housing: Public Space 10-11
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, 26 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Computer Use Regulation 10-11
Individuals using University IT Resources may not convey personal statements that could be construed as representing the positions or beliefs of the University. For example, religious views, political campaign positions, proselytizing remarks, quotations, and etc. are not allowed in email signature blocks.
View full policy (PDF, 108 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Expression of Views by Visiting Speakers 10-11
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, 83 KB).
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in July 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.
