Yellow Light School

Vanderbilt University

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: 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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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)

Green light: Student Handbook: Student Conduct- Threat, Harassment, Stalking, or Intimidation 12-13

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, 883 KB).

Green light: Student Handbook: Sexual Misconduct 12-13

Sexual Harassment is
unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent (as determined using a reasonable person standard) such that
it interferes with, limits, or deprives a student of the ability to participate in or to receive benefits, services, or opportunities from the University’s educational programs or activities, and can be based on power differentials,
the creation of a hostile environment,
or retaliation.
View full policy (PDF, 537 KB).

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

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Student Conduct- Violation of University Policy 12-13

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, 883 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: Student Organization Manual: Scheduling Meetings and Planning Events 12-13

Reservations for outdoor events not requiring any services must be made at least five days in advance.
View full policy (PDF, 585 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Yellow light: Student Handbook: University Policies and Regulations- Code of Behavior for Religious Groups 12-13

[T]he University expects all religious groups on campus to give evidence of tolerance, fairness, and respect for the religious traditions represented at the University, to respect the non-sectarian nature of the University itself, and to uphold the University’s commitment to creating a diverse and pluralistic community on campus.
View full policy (PDF, 1711 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Faculty Manual: Academic Freedom and Responsibility 12-13

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, 263 KB).

Green light policy: Faculty Manual: Students at Vanderbilt- A Statement of Principles 12-13

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.
The community of Vanderbilt University is united by the goals of inquiry and education.
View full policy (PDF, 263 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.