James Madison University

Green light institutions are those colleges and universities whose policies nominally protect free speech. Read more here.

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Fourth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Linwood H Rose
James Madison University
MSC 7608
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540-568-6868
president@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu

« Return to School Overview

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)

Student Handbook: Harassment 11-12

It is the established policy of JMU to provide a work and study environment for faculty and staff members and students free from all forms of harassment, intimidation and exploitation. Prohibited harassment is offensive verbal, written, or physical conduct when: ... The conduct seriously and/or repeatedly affects an employee’s or student's performance or creates a hostile work or study environment. The conduct includes but is not limited to behaviors referring to a person's race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability.
View full policy (PDF, 8143 KB).

Student Handbook: Personal Abuse 11-12

No student shall direct expressions that can be reasonably anticipated to incite a violent reaction from an individual or group of individuals at anyone.
No student shall direct a serious expression of the intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals.
View full policy (PDF, 8143 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Event Planning at JMU: Student Organizations- Policies- Free Speech and Peaceful Assemblies 11-12

Student organizations are strongly encouraged to register free speech and peaceful assemblies with Madison Union Scheduling at least 48 hours in advance.
View full policy (PDF, 1216 KB).

Posting Policies

Use of Bulletin Boards & Posting Public Notices 11-12

It is not the intent of this policy to censor or otherwise control the content of notices or other materials to be posted. However, it is recommended that such materials be in good taste and comply with all standards of conduct set forth in the student handbook.
Advertising the sale of alcoholic beverages, or any phrase or symbol that would lead the reader to believe that alcohol will be served or consumed is prohibited.
View full policy (PDF, 1497 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources 11-12

Individuals shall: Not use computing resources, including the university network and email system, with the intention to harass, intimidate, threaten, or otherwise harm another person, whether directly or indirectly.
View full policy (PDF, 2002 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Handbook: Policies and Judicial Procedures- Student Rights and Responsibilities 11-12

The student as a citizen has the rights of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association ....
View full policy (PDF, 1238 KB).

NOTE: You must have Adobe Acrobat installed to view policies in PDF format.

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