California State University - San Bernardino

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 Albert K Karnig
California State University - San Bernardino
President's Office
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Website: http://www.csusb.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 Policy 11-12

Sexual harassment may include the following:

1. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed towards an employee, student, or applicant. For example:

a. Making unsolicited written, verbal, physical and/or visual contact with sexual overtones. (Written examples: suggestive or obscene letters, notes, solicitations, electronic mail. Verbal examples: derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, epithets (name-calling). Physical examples: assault, inappropriate touching, impeding or blocking movement. Visual examples: gestures, display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons, or posters.)

b. Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome. (Reciprocal attraction is not considered sexual harassment.) ... 4. Conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of interfering with a student's academic performance, creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive or otherwise adverse learning environment, or adversely affecting any student.
View full policy (PDF, 2286 KB).

Office of Housing and Residential Life Policies and Procedures: Disorderly Conduct 11-12

Participating in an activity that substantially and
materially disrupts the normal operations of the residential community, or infringes on the rights of members
of the University community are not permitted including:
A. Overt actions such as verbal attacks and physical assaults on students, University staff and/or their
property.
B. Physical or written defacement or destruction of residential property, including postings and posters.
C. Behaviors whether through conduct or expression which are not civil or respectful and which breach the
peace within or around the residence halls or at any residence-hall related functions.
View full policy (PDF, 3797 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Policy on Speech and Advocacy 11-12

Spontaneous events occasioned by news or affairs coming into public knowledge less than forty-eight hours prior to such event may be held in the designated public forums described in Section X and outdoors without advance permission and in university buildings with special permission of the President or the President's designee. ... The following four areas at the San Bernardino campus are designated public forums in which all members of the university community and non-university community may exercise their free speech rights without special restriction.

A. The patio area of the Commons Building
B. The grassy knoll (Coyote Corral) between the Lower Commons Plaza and the campus service road by Serrano Village
C. Library Lawn
1. Clubs and organizations will be allowed to use the library lawn on Wednesdays and Thursdays between the permitted amplification hours (11 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM)
D. Grass area west (Wilson Park) of the Student Recreation and Fitness Center
View full policy (PDF, 3306 KB).

Posting Policies

Office of Housing and Residential Life Policies and Procedures: Posting 11-12

All materials to be posted must be submitted and approved by the Office of Housing and Residential Life.
No alcohol/drug-related materials may be posted in a
public area or a place where they can be viewed from a public area (e.g. external unit door, balcony, in a
visible place from windows, etc.)
View full policy (PDF, 3797 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic Communications 11-12

Users may not use campus computing or network services to threaten, harass, stalk, defame, or otherwise interfere with the legal rights of others.
View full policy (PDF, 1788 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Facilities Use Policy 11-12

University buildings and grounds may be scheduled and resources and personnel used only for events
which are consistent with the goals, mission and current priorities of the university.
View full policy (PDF, 3344 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Policy on Speech and Advocacy 11-12

California State University, San Bernardino is dedicated to affording members of the University community the protections for freedom of speech, expression, assembly, religion, and press available under the U.S. and California Constitutions and all applicable federal and state laws in accordance with the University's purpose and function.
View full policy (PDF, 3306 KB).

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