California State University - San Marcos
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.
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)
Executive Order 1072: Implementation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Related Sexual Harassment/Violence Legislation for CSU Students 12-13
"Sexual Harassment" is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that includes, but is not limited to: sexual violence; sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; indecent exposure; and other verbal, nonverbal or physical unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, where such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered by a reasonable person in the shoes of the individual, and is in fact considered by the individual, as limiting the individual's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the university. Sexual harassment also includes gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, non-verbal or physical aggression, intimidation or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.
View full policy (PDF, 256 KB).
Executive Order 1074: Systemwide Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Against Students 12-13
Harassment means unwelcome conduct engaged in because of a Protected Status that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered by a reasonable person in the shoes of the Student, and is in fact considered by the Student, as limiting the Student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the University.
Sexual Harassment, as defined in California Education Code 212.5, consists of both non-sexual conduct based on sex or sex-stereotyping and conduct that is sexual in nature, and includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature where: ... The conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered by a reasonable person in the shoes of the Student, and is in fact considered by the Student, as limiting the Student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the University.
View full policy (PDF, 482 KB).
University Village Apartments Student Handbook: Physical Abuse and Harassment 12-13
Physical, verbal and other abusive behavior and threats of physical abuse toward residents and/or staff
are violations of policy and will not be tolerated.
Practical jokes, pranks or
other disruptions are prohibited in the campus community.
View full policy (PDF, 122 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Standards for Student Conduct 12-13
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, 119 KB).
Free Speech Zones
Public Assembly 12-13
The University has designated a space on campus as a "free speech and assembly area" that may be used without prior scheduling. ... The free speech and assembly area is the space in front of University Hall, 60 feet from the front steps of the building extending to the corner of Starbucks. The area also encompasses the space in front of the Craven Rotunda on the third floor up the stairs to the fourth level of Craven. When assembling on the stairs, six (6) feet to the extreme left and right must be kept clear for pedestrian passage. This space may be used from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
As to non-scheduled events, use of a different location may be permitted in instances such as a protest where the area may have symbolic relevance (e.g. Cesar Chavez statue).
View full policy (PDF, 72 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Standards for Student Conduct 12-13
Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or intimidating and abusive messages.
View full policy (PDF, 119 KB).
Responsible Use Policy 12-13
Users shall not use CSUSM computing and network services for purposes that are inconsistent, incompatible, violate or are in conflict with federal, state laws, as well as campus and CSU regulations and policies. Violations may include but are not limited to harassment, defamation, making threats, committing computer-related crimes, impermissible use of campus resources for political advocacy, copyright infringement, sexual harassment, and child pornography.
View full policy (PDF, 192 KB).
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in April 2013. 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.
