Red Light School

University of North Texas

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

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Fifth Circuit
Head of Institution: President V. Lane Rawlins
University of North Texas
P.O. Box 311425
Denton, TX 76203
940-565-2026
president@unt.edu
Website: http://www.unt.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: Code of Student Conduct: Acts Affecting Health, Safety or Welfare 12-13

Engaging in physical, and/or verbal abuse, domestic violence, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, physical or electronic stalking or any other conduct which threatens of endangers the health, safety or welfare of any person. Speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is not a violation of this provision, though fighting words and statements which reasonably threaten or endanger the health and safety of any person are not protected speech.
View full policy (PDF, 3595 KB).

Yellow light: Policy Manual: Sexual Harassment 12-13

Sexual harassment takes many forms; examples of conduct which might be considered sexual harassment under this policy include but are not limited to:
...
- repeated and unwanted requests for dates, sexual flirtations, or propositions of a sexual nature,
- subtle pressure for a sexual relationship,
- sexist remarks about a person's clothing, body or sexual activities ...
- conduct of a sexual nature that causes humiliation or discomfort, such as use of inappropriate terms of address, and
- sexually explicit or sexist comments, questions or jokes
- conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work or educational environment.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature (regardless of gender), even if carried out under the guise of humor, constitute a violation of this policy when: ... Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment, or educational environment.
View full policy (PDF, 237 KB).

Red light: Code of Student Conduct: Definitions 12-13

Sexual Harassment - unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual violence and other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
View full policy (PDF, 3595 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: Policy Manual: Computer Use Policy 12-13

When communicating with others via the University computer system, a user's communications should reflect high ethical standards, mutual respect and civility.
View full policy (PDF, 554 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Policy Manual: Free Speech and Public Assembly on Campus Grounds 12-13

Campus grounds generally are open to students, employees and sponsoring organizations
for expressive activity. However, these individuals and organizations are encouraged to
reserve areas on campus that are designated for expressive activity when the activity is
promoted in advance or when the activity may reasonably be anticipated to draw a crowd
of 25 or more people.
The University of North Texas recognizes that freedom of expression and public assembly are fundamental rights of all persons and are essential components of the education process.
View full policy (PDF, 715 KB).

Green light policy: Student Handbook: Protection of Constitutional Freedoms 12-13

Students and all other members of the University community are
guaranteed the constitutional freedoms of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association.
View full policy (PDF, 327 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.