Vanderbilt University

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: Chancellor Nicholas S Zeppos
Vanderbilt University
211 Kirkland Hall
2201 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37240
615-322-1813
chancellor@vanderbilt.edu
Website: http://www.vanderbilt.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)

Student Handbook: Student Conduct- Threat, Harassment, Stalking, or Intimidation 11-12

Vanderbilt University expects students to refrain from conduct that threatens or, through intimidation, unreasonably impairs the security or privacy of another member of the university community. Such conduct is a violation of university policy and may result in disciplinary action.
Harassment of any individual based on sex, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, or disability is unacceptable and grounds for disciplinary action, and may constitute a violation of federal law. Equally unacceptable within the University is the harassment of any individual on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or harassment because one perceived another to fall within any of the previously mentioned categories.
View full policy (PDF, 1536 KB).

Student Handbook: Student Conduct- Sexual Misconduct Including Harassment 11-12

Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment of a student can deny or limit, on the basis of sex, the student’s ability to participate in or to receive benefits, services, or opportunities in the University’s program. Sexual harassment of students is, therefore, a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX.
View full policy (PDF, 1981 KB).

Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Disability Services: Sexual Harassment Brochure 11-12

What is sexual harassment? Generally, sexual harassment is any unwanted, unsolicited, or undesired attention of a sexual nature.
Sexual harassment can fall into several categories. Gender Harassment:
Sexist remarks and behavior that are not intended to lead to
sexual activity. Remarks or jokes that denigrate because of
gender fall into this category.
Seductive Behavior
Inappropriate or offensive behavior that is not necessarily
threatening, but usually produces feelings of discomfort in
the person toward whom it is directed. Unwelcome flirting or
touching fall into this category ....
View full policy (PDF, 2466 KB).

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

Student Handbook: Student Conduct- Violation of University Policy 11-12

Students are subject to disciplinary action when, individually or as members of a group, they violate university policy, rules, or regulations, including but not limited to the following: ... Disorderly conduct, lewd or lascivious conduct or expression ....
View full policy (PDF, 2154 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Office of the Dean of Students: Community Creed 11-12

The Community Creed is a student-initiated statement of the values to which the Vanderbilt community aspires. Individuals who join this community embark on a lifelong journey toward greater intellectual enlightenment and personal growth. By fostering the Creed’s principles, we preserve the University’s enduring tradition of excellence, united by a common set of values.
View full policy (PDF, 778 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Student Organization Manual: Scheduling Meetings and Planning Events 11-12

Reservations for outdoor events not requiring any services must be made at least five days in advance.
View full policy (PDF, 8781 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Faculty Manual: Academic Freedom and Responsibility 11-12

Vanderbilt University is a community of men and women devoted to
the search for truth. ... The University is also part of the civic community in which it
exists. Its members, both faculty and students, are entitled to exercise
the rights of citizens and are subject to the responsibilities of citizens.
View full policy (PDF, 28 KB).

Student Handbook: Students at Vanderbilt- A Statement of Principles 11-12

The community of Vanderbilt University is united by the goals of inquiry and education.
The University is committed to providing opportunities for the free and open exchange of ideas both inside and outside the classroom. It will safeguard the undisturbed, orderly expression of diverse views and opinions as well as the opportunity for their careful examination.
View full policy (PDF, 1804 KB).

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