Kenyon College
A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. 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)
Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures 10-11
Gender discrimination and sexual harassment can take many forms, ranging from repeated and unwanted comments intended to stigmatize another on the basis of one's sex, to subtle pressure for sexual activity to unwelcome physical contact-such as unwanted touching of another's body-to physical assault (see here for further information on sexual assault). Other examples of sexual harassment include (but are not limited to):
* graphic comments about a person's body;
* sexually explicit pictures or suggestive objects placed in a living or work space (that a reasonable person would find offensive);
* unwanted propositions of a sexual nature, or demands for sexual favors;
* stalking;
* unwanted telephone calls or e-mail with sexually explicit content.
Sexual harassment and gender discrimination consist of offensive verbal or physical conduct by a student or employee of the College that is related to a person's sex/gender. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome and unsolicited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when 1) submission to such conduct is used as the basis for educational decisions or is made a condition of participation in a school program or activity; or 2) such conduct (a) has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with a student's academic performance, (b) is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it adversely and unreasonably affects a student's participation in or receipt of benefit from an educational program, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment; or c) otherwise adversely and unreasonably affects a student's learning opportunities.
View full policy (PDF, 84 KB).
Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures: Harassment Based on Age, Ancestry, Disability, Race, Religion, Sex, or Sexual Orientation 10-11
Political commentary and satire are not harassment. For example, satirical comments about "denim day" are not harassment. Putting a Confederate flag on one's own door would also not be harassment, however insensitive it might be deemed by many. Again, the mere claim of political commentary or satire cannot excuse what is really harassment.
[T]he telling of racist jokes is not harassment unless directed at a member of the scorned group for the purpose of insulting or stigmatizing that person by his or her group membership. Similarly, group libel (e.g., "all Jews are thieves"), however revolting, is not harassment by this definition if it is not directed at particular individuals or an identifiable group of College-related individuals.
Speech that conveys reasoned opinion, principled conviction, or speculation is not harassment. For example, the assertion that "all whites are racist" or "affirmative action is wrong" or "Christians are fools to believe in a nonexistent God," are not harassment. Of course, the mere claim of engagement in reasoned opinion is not sufficient to lift the charge of harassment. For example, shouting racist insults under a residence-hall window at night cannot disguise itself as "reasoned opinion." However, debates, discussions, arguments, however lively, do not give grounds for harassment charges.
Other examples of harassment include:
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epithets or "jokes" referring to an individual's group-based attributes;
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*placement of offensive written or visual material on another's living quarters or work area;
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offensive messages sent through electronic mail....
Speech or other expression constitutes harassment by personal vilification if it:
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is intended to insult or stigmatize an individual or an identifiable group of College-related individuals on the basis of their race, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin, and
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is addressed directly to (though not necessarily in the presence of) the individual or individuals whom it insults or stigmatizes, and,
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makes use of words or nonverbal symbols that convey hatred or contempt for human beings on the basis of their race, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
View full policy (PDF, 102 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities 10-11
Any behavior which seriously affects the academic performance of the student or of fellow students, which offends the sensibilities of others (whether students, faculty members, or visitors), or which causes damage to the property of the College or of individuals will result in disciplinary action. Kenyon students are required at all times to show due respect and courtesy; and vulgar behavior, obscene language, or disorderly conduct are not tolerated.
View full policy (PDF, 497 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Student Handbook: Computers and E-Mail 10-11
Do not use computing resources for any activity which may intimidate, harass or
threaten others.
View full policy (PDF, 674 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
An Open Letter to Students 10-11
To us, community encompasses but transcends the usual dictionary definitions. It means the collective enterprise of learning in which we all participate, valuing diversity of backgrounds, beliefs, interests, and goals while adhering to the liberal-arts precepts of open inquiry and freedom of expression.
View full policy (PDF, 441 KB).
Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures: Harassment Based on Age, Ancestry, Disability, Race, Religion, Sex, or Sexual Orientation 10-11
By accepting membership in this community, students and employees assume a responsibility for a commitment to free expression, free inquiry, honesty, tolerance, and respect for the rights and dignity of others.
View full policy (PDF, 102 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.
