California State University - Chico
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)
Student Judicial Affairs: Description of Sexual Harassment 12-13
Sexual harassment is defined as including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, repeated derogatory sexist remarks, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward a student or employee from a person with power or authority.
According to guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, behavior constitutes sexual harassment in an academic setting when: ... The person's behavior is an attempt to interfere, or has the effect of interfering, with your work or academic performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment.
View full policy (PDF, 44 KB).
Student Judicial Affairs: Sexual Assault Myths and Realities 12-13
Most sexual harassment is far less obvious than physical assault. Outright propositions or threats demanding sexual activity in exchange for favors (such as a recommendation for a favorable personnel review), subtly demeaning behavior (including sexist jokes and assumptions), and unwelcome physical gestures like leering, brushing up against you, squeezing, and pinching are all forms of sexual harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 57 KB).
Student Judicial Affairs: Sexual Harassment 12-13
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: ... Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work/academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.
View full policy (PDF, 45 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Standards for Student Conduct 12-13
The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning
environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community
must choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. 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, 51 KB).
Residence Life Handbook: Our Commitment to Community Respect 12-13
By choosing to work and/or live at Chico State, student residents and staff agree to use language and display behavior that demonstrates commitment to the following principles ... Bigotry has no place within our community; and so we do not have the right to denigrate others on the basis of age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, race, gender, or religious affiliation. We will never tolerate physical, verbal, or written abuse, threats, intimidation, violence, or other forms of harassment against any member of our community. ... Such behavior will be subject to the severest of disciplinary actions, which may include but are
not limited to immediate removal from University Housing, suspension from the University or
forfeiture of employment.
View full policy (PDF, 302 KB).
Free Speech Zones
Guidelines for Speech and Advocacy 12-13
Application for use of other university facilities may be made by students at the Student Activities office and by faculty and staff at University Facility Reservations.
The Free Speech Area is defined as the area bounded on the north by Trinity Hall, on the east by the driveway into Trinity Hall, on the south by the First Street Mall, and on the west by the sidewalk adjacent to Meriam Library. Power and a public address system are available at the light pole near the diagonal sidewalk. Policies regarding use of this area apply to all members of the campus and community. Use of the area by members of the university community does not require reservations (except for sound-amplified presentations) but reservations will preempt extemporaneous programs.
View full policy (PDF, 511 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Policy on Use of Computing and Communications Technology 12-13
Users should take care not to display on screens in shared facilities images, sounds, or messages which could create an atmosphere of discomfort or harassment to others. Users should make arrangements for a private work area if an assignment requires them to access such materials.
Users may not use campus computing or network services to threaten, harass*, defame, or otherwise interfere with the legal rights of others. (*Harassment is defined as the creation of an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment.)
View full policy (PDF, 255 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Guidelines for Speech and Advocacy 12-13
A university is the primary social institution established to protect and promote rational inquiry. In realizing its function, this University is fully committed to facilitating and protecting the free exchange of ideas through advocacy and inquiry.
View full policy (PDF, 511 KB).
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in December 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.
