California Polytechnic State University

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.

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Ninth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Jeffrey D Armstrong
California Polytechnic State University
One Grand Avenue
Building 001, Room 407C
San Luis Obispo, CA 93410
805-756-6000
presidentsoffice@calpoly.edu
Website: http://www.calpoly.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)

Sexual Harassment Prevention 10-11

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, learning, or social environment.
View full policy (PDF, 76 KB).

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

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Standards for Student Conduct 10-11

Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and contribute positively to student and university life.
View full policy (PDF, 86 KB).

Free Expression, Sponsorship, Commercialism and Use of Buildings and Grounds 10-11

[A]ll members of the University community should recognize that freedom of expression includes a responsibility to respect the dignity of others, to acknowledge the right of others to express differing opinions and to maintain civility at all times.
View full policy (PDF, 153 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

IT Responsible Use Policy: Specific Examples of Responsible and Irresponsible Uses 10-11

Harassment: * Displaying an intimate, suggestive or disturbing image which a reasonable person would consider objectionable as the "wallpaper" or screen saver on a computer that is routinely visible to other students, staff and faculty. * Repeatedly sending threatening or harassing e-mail or voice mail to another individual.
View full policy (PDF, 104 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Free Expression, Sponsorship, Commercialism and Use of Buildings and Grounds 10-11

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a democratic society and is essential to the educational process. Universities have a special obligation not only to tolerate but also to encourage and support the free expression of ideas, values and opinions, even where they may be unpopular or controversial. Cal Poly accepts and embraces this obligation, recognizing that such expression may take a variety of forms, such as speeches, signs, written materials, public assemblies, parades, demonstrations and artistic representation.



Acknowledging the central role the unfettered exchange of information and ideas plays in learning and in a free society, the University shall ensure that individuals and groups are afforded wide latitude in exercising the right of free expression and that their constitutionally protected right to free expression is not abridged.
View full policy (PDF, 153 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in February 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.