Red Light School

Sewanee, The University of the South

A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.

Public or Private: Private
Federal Circuit: Sixth Circuit
Head of Institution: President John McCardell, Jr.
Sewanee, The University of the South
735 University Avenue
Sewanee, TN 37383
931-598-1448
Website: http://www.sewanee.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)

Green light: University Policies: Sexual Misconduct Definitions 12-13

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IS
* unwelcome, gender-based verbal or physical conduct
* that is so sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive
* that it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits someone's ability to participate in or benefit from the college's educational program and/or activities,
* and is based on power differentials (quid pro quo), the creation of a hostile environment , or retaliation.
View full policy (PDF, 166 KB).

Yellow light: Harassment Policy and Procedures 12-13

The University of the South stands firmly for the principle that its students, faculty, and staff members have a right to be free from harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or protected activity under anti-discrimination statutes by any other member of the University community, and the University does not tolerate any form of harassment.

Conduct prohibited by this policy does not include simple teasing, off-hand comments, or isolated incidents that are not extremely serious. Rather, conduct that rises to the level of harassment must be so offensive as to alter the conditions of employment or the educational environment. If the harassment culminates in a tangible employment or education action or is sufficiently severe or pervasive so that a hostile work or education environment is created, then the conduct is prohibited. ... Conduct that may create a hostile environment includes offensive statements and comments, unwelcome touching, and displays of offensive pictures or other materials.
View full policy (PDF, 309 KB).

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

Yellow light: University Policies and Rules 12-13

Our sense of community depends upon each individual’s accepting his or her responsibility to live honorably with all members of the community, to abide by the law, and to treat every individual with civility and respect. Members of the community are expected to engage in honorable behavior at all times; those who choose to behave in a dishonorable way will be held accountable by the community.
View full policy (PDF, 76 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Appropriate Use of Information Technology 12-13

Impermissible uses (some of which may constitute illegal uses), but are not limited to the following: ... Viewing, posting or sending obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit, or offensive material; Posting or sending material that is contrary to the mission and values of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 196 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: University Purpose 12-13

The University of the South is an institution of the Episcopal Church dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in close community and in full freedom of inquiry, and enlightened by Christian faith in the Anglican tradition, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, to the end that students be prepared to search for truth, seek justice, preserve liberty under law, and serve God and humanity.
View full policy (PDF, 102 KB).

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