Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
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: | Tenth Circuit | |
| Head of Institution: | President Burns Hargis Oklahoma State University - Stillwater Office of the President 107 Whitehurst Stillwater, OK 74078-7042 405-744-6384 osupres@okstate.edu |
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| Website: | http://www.okstate.edu | |
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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)
Gender Discrimination/Sexual Harassment & Title IX Grievance Procedure 10-11
The following list of examples of conduct prohibited by this policy statement is intended to aid in the understanding of this area. Conduct prohibited by this policy statement may include, but is not limited to:
...
B. NON-VERBAL
Displaying sexually demeaning or offensive objects and pictures. Nude or semi-nude photographs and drawings, or computer software is very likely to be viewed as sexual harassment.
Staring repeatedly at someone, blocking another person's path or otherwise restricting their movements. Such acts, particularly when in conjunction with other acts or comments, may be viewed as sexual harassment. Invading a person's personal body space, such as by standing closer than appropriate or necessary for the work being done may similarly constitute sexual harassment.
Bringing physical items to work which express sexually offensive comments regarding men or women. Messages of this nature such as might be contained on coffee mugs, hats, or tee shirts may be offensive and be viewed as sexual harassment.
Making sexual gestures with hands or body movements. Looking a person up and down in a suggestive or intimidating manner may also constitute sexual
harassment.
Letters, gifts, or materials of a sexual nature. Such attention may not be appreciated in the manner intended, may be offensive to the subject of the attention, and may constitute sexual harassment.
...
B. NON-VERBAL
Displaying sexually demeaning or offensive objects and pictures. Nude or semi-nude photographs and drawings, or computer software is very likely to be viewed as sexual harassment.
Staring repeatedly at someone, blocking another person's path or otherwise restricting their movements. Such acts, particularly when in conjunction with other acts or comments, may be viewed as sexual harassment. Invading a person's personal body space, such as by standing closer than appropriate or necessary for the work being done may similarly constitute sexual harassment.
Bringing physical items to work which express sexually offensive comments regarding men or women. Messages of this nature such as might be contained on coffee mugs, hats, or tee shirts may be offensive and be viewed as sexual harassment.
Making sexual gestures with hands or body movements. Looking a person up and down in a suggestive or intimidating manner may also constitute sexual
harassment.
Letters, gifts, or materials of a sexual nature. Such attention may not be appreciated in the manner intended, may be offensive to the subject of the attention, and may constitute sexual harassment.
The following list of examples of conduct prohibited by this policy statement is intended to aid in the understanding of this area. Conduct prohibited by this policy statement may include, but is not limited to:
...
A. VERBAL CONDUCT
Unwelcome sexual flirtation, advances or propositions for sexual activity.
Asking about someone else's personal social or sexual life or about their sexual fantasies, preferences, or history may constitute sexual harassment. Discussing your own personal sexual fantasies, preferences, or history or repeatedly asking for a date from a person who is not interested may also constitute sexual harassment. Continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature. Suggestive comments and sexually explicit jokes, or turning discussions at work or in the academic classroom to sexual topics may constitute sexual harassment. Making offensive sounds such as smacking or licking lips, making kissing sounds, or "wolf whistles" may constitute sexual harassment. Sexually offensive or degrading language used to describe an individual or remarks of a sexual nature to describe a person's body or clothing. Calling a person a "hunk," "doll," "babe," "sugar," or "honey," or similar descriptive terms may constitute sexual harassment if the person being so described is offended by such terms or if others hearing the references are offended.
View full policy (PDF, 150 KB).
...
A. VERBAL CONDUCT
Unwelcome sexual flirtation, advances or propositions for sexual activity.
Asking about someone else's personal social or sexual life or about their sexual fantasies, preferences, or history may constitute sexual harassment. Discussing your own personal sexual fantasies, preferences, or history or repeatedly asking for a date from a person who is not interested may also constitute sexual harassment. Continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature. Suggestive comments and sexually explicit jokes, or turning discussions at work or in the academic classroom to sexual topics may constitute sexual harassment. Making offensive sounds such as smacking or licking lips, making kissing sounds, or "wolf whistles" may constitute sexual harassment. Sexually offensive or degrading language used to describe an individual or remarks of a sexual nature to describe a person's body or clothing. Calling a person a "hunk," "doll," "babe," "sugar," or "honey," or similar descriptive terms may constitute sexual harassment if the person being so described is offended by such terms or if others hearing the references are offended.
Student Code of Conduct: Prohibited Conduct 10-11
Persistent, severe, and/or pervasive verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, bullying, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the mental or physical health/safety of any person or causes reasonable apprehension of such harm.
View full policy (PDF, 97 KB).
Affirmative Action Office: Gender Discrimination/Sexual Harassment Poster 10-11
Sexual harassment, as prohibited under federal law, state law, and
University policy, is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, sexual assaults,
or requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature. This conduct constitutes sexual harassment when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive educational or work environment.
University policy, is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, sexual assaults,
or requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature. This conduct constitutes sexual harassment when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive educational or work environment.
The following types of conduct may constitute sexual harassment:
Inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching
Displaying sexually, demeaning or offensive objects
and pictures
Physical assault or coerced sexual activity
Sexually suggestive jokes or innuendos; derogatory,
degrading, or sexist remarks about a person’s body,
clothing, or sexual activities
Suggestive or insulting sounds, whistles, catcalls
Obscene phone calls, e-mail, or gestures
Inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching
Displaying sexually, demeaning or offensive objects
and pictures
Physical assault or coerced sexual activity
Sexually suggestive jokes or innuendos; derogatory,
degrading, or sexist remarks about a person’s body,
clothing, or sexual activities
Suggestive or insulting sounds, whistles, catcalls
Obscene phone calls, e-mail, or gestures
if conduct is
unwelcome, could
be offensive to a
reasonable person,
and in fact is offensive to someone
complaining about
certain physical
and/or verbal acts,
then the conduct
may constitute
sexual harassment, even if it
was not intended
to be offensive.
View full policy (PDF, 680 KB).
unwelcome, could
be offensive to a
reasonable person,
and in fact is offensive to someone
complaining about
certain physical
and/or verbal acts,
then the conduct
may constitute
sexual harassment, even if it
was not intended
to be offensive.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Residential Life Handbook: Code of Conduct 10-11
As an OSU student, you are expected to: ... Behave in a manner that is civil and respectful of others; Behave in a manner that recognizes and respects individual differences, supporting an appreciation for pluralism as well as inclusiveness....
View full policy (PDF, 176 KB).
Student Code of Conduct: Conduct Rights and Obligations of Student Organizations 10-11
Specific Standards of Ethics ... Multi-Cultural Sensitivity: Both the University community and the larger
society are diverse with persons from differing ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Organizations must recognize and respect the cultural heritage of others. Compliance with the Oklahoma State University Equal Educational Opportunity Policy is required. Guidance regarding the interpretation and implementation of this policy is always available at the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs , the Office of Campus Life, or the Office of the Associate Vice President for Multicultural Affairs.
View full policy (PDF, 118 KB).
society are diverse with persons from differing ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Organizations must recognize and respect the cultural heritage of others. Compliance with the Oklahoma State University Equal Educational Opportunity Policy is required. Guidance regarding the interpretation and implementation of this policy is always available at the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs , the Office of Campus Life, or the Office of the Associate Vice President for Multicultural Affairs.
Free Speech Zones
Extracurricular Use of University Facilities, Areas or Media for the Purpose of Expression 10-11
The extracurricular use of any scheduled University-controlled facility or area for the purpose of expression shall be preceded by a request made to an authorized designee. A request shall contain the name of the requestor and how he/she can be contacted; the proposed date, time, and location for the contemplated activity; the expected size of the audience; the topic(s) or subject(s) to be addressed; and any other information which may be necessary to accommodate the needs associated with the activity.
The request should be made as far in advance as possible to provide for adequate review and orderly scheduling of facilities or areas. The amount of time required for review of a request will vary depending on the nature of the request. Barring extraordinary circumstances (e.g. extensive safety and security arrangements, or review by the Campus Review Committee, and/or a court), review should normally be completed within a few hours or days. If the authorized designee determines that additional time is required for review, he/she should ask the requestor to specify the latest date by which a final response is necessary. This date is important so that the total review and decision process may be completed in sufficient time to allow the requestor to make final arrangements for the proposed expression in the event the request is granted.
View full policy (PDF, 104 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Information Technology: Appropriate Computer Use 10-11
Using University electronic communication facilities to send fraudulent, harassing, obscene, threatening, or other unlawful messages is prohibited.
View full policy (PDF, 97 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Extracurricular Use of University Facilities, Areas or Media for the Purpose of Expression 10-11
The freedoms of expression and assembly as guaranteed by the first and fourteenth amendments of the United States Constitution shall be enjoyed by all members of the academic community. Free discussion of subjects of either controversial or noncontroversial nature, even when they are considered to be offensive or in poor taste, shall not be curtailed.
[T]he University must recognize and protect free inquiry and free expression as indispensable components of the critical examination of philosophies and ideas. Given the unique mission of educational institutions in
a democratic society, this inquiry should be more open and vigorous, and should consequently have greater protection than in society at large, provided that such inquiry does not infringe upon the rights of others. Commitment to free inquiry and expression creates a strong presumption against prohibition of expression based upon its content. This philosophy is intended to apply to all forms of expression occurring at the University and any uncertainty regarding the application or operation of this policy statement shall be resolved in a manner consistent with this philosophy.
View full policy (PDF, 104 KB).
a democratic society, this inquiry should be more open and vigorous, and should consequently have greater protection than in society at large, provided that such inquiry does not infringe upon the rights of others. Commitment to free inquiry and expression creates a strong presumption against prohibition of expression based upon its content. This philosophy is intended to apply to all forms of expression occurring at the University and any uncertainty regarding the application or operation of this policy statement shall be resolved in a manner consistent with this philosophy.
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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.
