Central Washington University
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: |
|
Ninth Circuit |
| Head of Institution: |
|
President James L Gaudino
Central Washington University
Office of the President
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926
509-963-2111
|
| Website: |
|
http://www.cwu.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 Conduct Code: Definitions 12-13
"Sexual Harassment" is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. More specifically, sexually harassing behavior includes the following:
1. gender harassment, including sexist statements and behavior that convey insulting, degrading, or sexist attitudes ....
View full policy (PDF, 161 KB).
Student Conduct Code 12-13
A student shall be subject to disciplinary action or sanction upon violation of any of the following conduct
proscriptions: ... actual or attempted physical/emotional abuse of any person or conduct which threatens or endangers the health and safety of any person or which intentionally or recklessly causes a reasonable apprehension of harm to any person; harassment of any sort or any malicious act which causes harm to any person's physical or mental well being ....
View full policy (PDF, 206 KB).
Sexual Harassment 12-13
Based on the definition provided above, examples of sexual harassment prohibited by this policy include, but are not limited to: physical assault; direct propositions of a sexual nature; subtle pressure for sexual activity. In addition, behaviors which constitute a pattern of conduct that discomforts or humiliates the recipient are prohibited. Such behaviors may include: comments of a sexual nature; sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes, or anecdotes; unnecessary touching, patting, hugging, or kissing; remarks of a sexual nature about a person's clothing or body; or remarks about sexual activity or speculations about previous sexual experience; and persistent, unwanted attempts to change a professional relationship to an amorous one.
For the purposes of this policy, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or academic environment.
View full policy (PDF, 102 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Acceptable and Ethical Use of University Information Technology Resources Policy 11-12
Transmitting images, sounds, or messages to others which might reasonably be considered harassing, malicious and/or cyber bullying is not permissible.
View full policy (PDF, 134 KB).
Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Diversity Education Center: CWU Bias Response Plan 12-13
Where there is sufficient evidence to believe the university regulations prohibiting harassment, physical/emotional abuse (see I.B above) have been violated, the university may pursue disciplinary action through its Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (see the undergraduate catalogue or www.cwu.edu/~catalogs/01_appendix.html#rights). Sanctions for persons found in violation of these policies may include suspension and/or expulsion from the university. Education, including combating hate and bias/ tolerance/self awareness, may be required of the alleged offender.
Bias Motivated Incident is an action in which a person is made aware that her/his status is offensive to another, but does not rise to the level of a crime. Incidents are motivated by bias as targeted individuals or groups are intentionally selected because of the actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity/national origin and, for the purposes of this program, sex, gender, gender identity and gender expression. For example, a university student of certain ethnicity/national origin continually encounters messages denigrating her ethnic background written on the classroom chalkboard or posted around her residence hall. There is no actual crime committed. Remarks are easily erased or removed, no property is damaged, and the student is never assaulted. While not a hate crime, this episode is a clear case of a bias motivated incident. To report a bias incident, sufficient objective facts must be present to lead a reasonable and prudent person to conclude that the offender's actions are motivated by bias toward the status of a targeted individual or a group.
View full policy (PDF, 120 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Student Affairs and Enrollment Management: Student Rights & Responsibilities 12-13
Students and student organizations have the right to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them, to express opinions publicly and privately, to support causes and to invite and hear any person of their own choosing.
As members of the larger community, students are afforded those rights guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions, the authority of which extends across both communities.
Central Washington University is a community that exists for the generation, acquisition, diffusion, and preservation of knowledge, the growth of all its members, and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals.
View full policy (PDF, 669 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 February 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.
