University of Texas at Austin

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 William Powers, Jr.
University of Texas at Austin
Office of the President
Main Building 400 (G3400)
Austin, TX 78713
512-471-1232
president@po.utexas.edu
Website: http://www.utexas.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)

Office of the Dean of Students: Student's Guide to Sexual Harassment and Misconduct 10-11

Sexual misconduct is a concept taken from the Regents' Rules ethics statement. Sexual misconduct is conduct of a sexual nature that, although not so serious or pervasive that it rises to the level of sex discrimination or sexual harassment, is unprofessional and/or inappropriate for the educational and working environment. The purpose of prohibiting sexual misconduct is to discourage and, if necessary, take disciplinary action for inappropriate or unprofessional activity of a sexual nature in the workplace or classroom, even if that conduct appears to be welcomed and consensual or is not so serious or pervasive that it meets the definition of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.

Examples of behavior that could constitute sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to:

* Repeatedly engaging in sexually oriented conversations, comments or horseplay, including the use of language or the telling of jokes or anecdotes of a sexual nature in the workplace, office or classroom, even if such conduct is not objected to by those present;
* Gratuitous use of sexually oriented materials not directly related to the subject matter of a class, course, or meeting even if not objected to by those present ....
View full policy (PDF, 141 KB).

Revised Handbook of Operating Procedures: Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment 10-11

Verbal conduct that, depending on the totality of circumstances present, may constitute sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to,

* explicit or implicit propositions to engage in sexual activity;
* gratuitous comments, jokes, questions, anecdotes, or remarks of a sexual nature about clothing or bodies;
* gratuitous remarks about sexual activities or speculation about sexual experiences;
* persistent, unwanted sexual or romantic attention;
* subtle or overt pressure for sexual favors;
* exposure to sexually suggestive visual displays such as photographs, graffiti, posters, calendars, or other materials;
* deliberate, repeated humiliation or intimidation based upon sex.
Sex Discrimination, including sexual harassment, is defined as conduct directed at a specific individual or a group of identifiable individuals that subjects the individual or group to treatment that adversely affects their employment or education on account of sex.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that can occur when ... unwelcome physical acts of a sexual nature, or unwelcome requests for sexual favors or other verbal conduct of a sexual nature, have the effect of creating an objectively hostile environment that interferes with employment or education on account of sex.
Constitutionally protected expression cannot be considered harassment under this policy.
View full policy (PDF, 127 KB).

Residence Halls Handbook: Harassment 10-11

Threats of violence as well as other acts or communications intended to intimidate, harass or annoy are prohibited.
In an effort to foster an environment free from harassment and intimidation, Residence Life is committed to combating acts of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism and any other force that seeks to suppress another individual or group of individuals.
View full policy (PDF, 110 KB).

Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities: Student Discipline and Conduct 10-11

Harassment is defined as conduct that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent to create an objectively hostile environment that interferes with or diminishes the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the University.
View full policy (PDF, 6057 KB).

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

Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities: Student Discipline and Conduct 10-11

Notwithstanding any action taken by civil authorities or agencies charged with the enforcement of criminal laws on account of the violation, the dean may initiate disciplinary proceedings under subchapter 11-300 against a student who ... otherwise engages in the following acts of inappropriate conduct that hold the
potential to interfere or disrupt the teaching function of the University: pranks,
repeated contact of a harassing nature through a personal or electronic medium,
and berating or otherwise abusive behavior.
View full policy (PDF, 6057 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Office of the Chief Information Officer: Acceptable Use Policy 10-11

V. REQUIREMENTS: ... Be civil. Do not send rude or harassing correspondence. ... What are the consequences for violating the rules listed in Section V of this document?

Punishment for infractions includes, but is not limited to: * Verbal warnings * Revocation of access privileges * Disciplinary probation * Suspension from the university * Criminal prosecution
View full policy (PDF, 113 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Office of the Dean of Students: Public Assemblies and Amplified Sound 10-11

The freedoms of speech, expression, and assembly are fundamental rights of all persons and are central to the mission of the university.
University persons and organizations may publicly assemble on campus in any place where, at the time of the assembly, the persons assembling are permitted to be, without advance permission, as long as there is no disruption to other University activities.
View full policy (PDF, 643 KB).

Residence Halls Handbook: Posting 10-11

[T]he University encourages all members of its community to support the freedom of speech. Students are free to communicate their ideas vigorously; those who are exposed to such ideas, whether in the classroom, the grounds of the campus, or in the residence halls, should tolerate the expression even of views that they find offensive or unacceptable. Students who passionately disagree about important matters should be able to confront one another civilly and to recognize that, despite profound differences, they are engaged in the common pursuit of truth. The best response to offensive speech is more free speech.
View full policy (PDF, 119 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in February 2011. 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.