Yellow Light School

Southern Methodist 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: Fifth Circuit
Head of Institution: President R. Gerald Turner
Southern Methodist University
Office of the President
P.O. Box 750100
Dallas, TX 75205
214-768-3300
mjj@mail.smu.edu
Website: http://www.smu.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)

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Conduct- Sexual Harassment 12-13

Sexual harassment includes such behavior as unwelcome or forced sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, psychological, and/or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward employees, students, or applicants, particularly when any of the following circumstances are present: ...
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or which creates an intimidating, demeaning, hostile, or offensive residential, work, or academic environment.
View full policy (PDF, 57 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Conduct - Harassment 12-13

Due to the University's commitment to freedom of speech and expression, harassment is more than insensitivity or conduct that offends or creates an uncomfortable situation for certain members of the community.
Any words or acts deliberately designed to disregard the safety or rights of another and which intimidate, degrade, demean, threaten, haze, or otherwise interfere with another person's rightful action will not be tolerated on the basis of the standards of the SMU community and therefore may be subject to disciplinary action.
View full policy (PDF, 57 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: SMU Policy on Sexual Harassment 12-13

Examples...Pattern of conduct (not legitimately related to office business or the subject matter of a course) that causes humiliation or discomfort, such as sexually explicit or sexist comments, questions, anecdotes, or jokes.
View full policy (PDF, 286 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Conduct- Distribution of Written Material 12-13

Distribution of publications, excluding official University publications, must
be approved by the staff operating the facility in which the activity takes place.
Any individual or agency wishing to distribute written material on the
SMU campus must be sponsored by a University department or a student
organization.
View full policy (PDF, 56 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Conduct - Protests and Demonstrations 11-12

Peaceful demonstrations may take place on campus provided that:
...
a permit is obtained from the Director of Student Activities & Multicultural Student Affairs three (3) days prior to the demonstration to ensure the rights and safety of all involved. The Director of Student Activities & Multicultural Student Affairs has the authority to grant a permit in less than three (3) days if all processes related to issuing the permit are completed and approved.
View full policy (PDF, 44 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Conduct- Signs and Posters 12-13

All signage posted on the University campus should uphold the rights of others, reflect responsible behavior, be conducive to the educational environment and uphold the integrity of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 57 KB).

Yellow light: Residence Hall Policy Expectations: Bulletin Board Posting Policies 12-13

Bulletin boards are for the use of the Residence Hall Staff. Information authorized by the Department of Residence Life & Student Housing will be posted by the hall staff. Postings will be authorized only when there is clear evidence of University or student organization sponsorship. Authorization may be refused for postings deemed inappropriate under University policies and regulations or if found to be in bad taste/blatantly offensive to any group on campus including signs which display harassment or promote alcohol consumption.
View full policy (PDF, 174 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Conduct- Electronic Media 12-13

The following activities involving the use of University Computer Resources and Facilities (including computers, computer networks, connections to network services such as the Internet and web pages, subscriptions to external computing services, any peripheral devices, computer labs, computing centers, public access areas and any SMU-provided computing) are prohibited and may result, at a minimum, in the immediate denial of computer access and privileges:
...
* Transmitting unsolicited information that contains obscene, indecent, lewd or lascivious material.
View full policy (PDF, 179 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Yellow light: Residence Life & Student Housing: Community Standards- Disruptive Behavior 12-13

I understand that any activity that has a negative impact on others will not be tolerated.
View full policy (PDF, 278 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Handbook: Code of Conduct- Student Rights, Freedoms & Responsibilities 12-13

The student press is to be free of censorship except as applicable under appropriate laws.
All students of the University are citizens of the community and members of the University, and as such are guaranteed freedom of expression, inquiry, and assembly.
View full policy (PDF, 56 KB).

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