Gonzaga University
When a private university states clearly that it holds a certain set of values above a commitment to freedom of speech, FIRE does not rate that university.
| Public or Private: | Private | |
| Federal Circuit: | Ninth Circuit | |
| Head of Institution: | President Robert J Spitzer, S.J. Gonzaga University GU: Ad Box 87 500 East Boone Spokane, WA 99258 509-328-4220 president@gonzaga.edu |
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| Website: | http://www.gonzaga.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)
Student Handbook: Behavioral Expectations 08-09
The participation in any activity that could lead to or cause a breach of the peace which causes a disruption to the community, either on or off campus, is not permitted. Examples include but are not limited to: ... Profane or vulgar language.
Extreme forms of disruptive behavior may threaten the physical safety of students, staff and visitors.
Examples include, but are not limited to: ...
* Verbal abuse
* Threatening behavior and actions
* Intimidation and stalking
View full policy (PDF, 74 KB).
Examples include, but are not limited to: ...
* Verbal abuse
* Threatening behavior and actions
* Intimidation and stalking
Student Handbook: Sexual and Racial Harassment 08-09
Sexual Harassment is objectionable verbal and/or physical conduct that is sexual in nature or gender-based. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical or verbal conduct may be sexual harassment. Other behavior that is not sexual in nature but is motivated by a person’s gender may also be sexual harassment.
Examples of behaviors which might be considered sexual harassment include but are not limited to:
* Demeaning sexist statements, off-color jokes, crude sexual remarks, offensive stories, remarks of a sexual nature about a person’s clothing or body, remarks about sexual activity or experiences
* Display or circulation of written materials or pictures degrading to individuals or gender groups
...
* Engaging in demeaning verbal and other expressive behavior of a sexual or gendered nature in instructional settings.
View full policy (PDF, 299 KB).
* Demeaning sexist statements, off-color jokes, crude sexual remarks, offensive stories, remarks of a sexual nature about a person’s clothing or body, remarks about sexual activity or experiences
* Display or circulation of written materials or pictures degrading to individuals or gender groups
...
* Engaging in demeaning verbal and other expressive behavior of a sexual or gendered nature in instructional settings.
Student Handbook: Sexual and Racial Harassment 08-09
Generally, physical and verbal conduct is considered harassment when it meets one or more of
the following criteria: ... The conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment or education, or creates an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive employment or academic environment, OR The conduct or communication would not have occurred but for the protected category of the individual(s) or group to whom it is directed and who are affected by it.
the following criteria: ... The conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment or education, or creates an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive employment or academic environment, OR The conduct or communication would not have occurred but for the protected category of the individual(s) or group to whom it is directed and who are affected by it.
Following are examples of behaviors, which, if based on race, ethnicity, or national origin, may constitute racial harassment:
* Making demeaning remarks to an individual or group or in the presence of an individual or group. This includes name calling, racial slurs, epithets, jokes, and racial put downs if the intention or result is to demean a person or group, treat individuals or groups differently because of race, ethnicity, national origin, or color, or create a hostile environment
* Displaying, circulating, or placing visual or written material demeaning race, ethnicity, national origin, or color in a University living or working area, when the intention or result is to make the education, working, or living environment hostile or demeaning
...
* Using “fighting words”; expressing in words, pictures, or symbols commonly understood to convey hatred or contempt, based on race, color or ethnicity, with the intent to inflict emotional distress
...
* Engaging in demeaning verbal and other expressive behavior of a racial nature in instructional settings.
View full policy (PDF, 299 KB).
* Making demeaning remarks to an individual or group or in the presence of an individual or group. This includes name calling, racial slurs, epithets, jokes, and racial put downs if the intention or result is to demean a person or group, treat individuals or groups differently because of race, ethnicity, national origin, or color, or create a hostile environment
* Displaying, circulating, or placing visual or written material demeaning race, ethnicity, national origin, or color in a University living or working area, when the intention or result is to make the education, working, or living environment hostile or demeaning
...
* Using “fighting words”; expressing in words, pictures, or symbols commonly understood to convey hatred or contempt, based on race, color or ethnicity, with the intent to inflict emotional distress
...
* Engaging in demeaning verbal and other expressive behavior of a racial nature in instructional settings.
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Student Handbook: Bias Incidents 08-09
The Ethos Statement sets out an expectation that all community members will show respect for others regardless of a person’s race, creed, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or nationality. Further, all community members are expected to avoid all forms of harassing or offensive behavior. Bias-motivated incidents are defined as behavior which constitutes an expression of hostility against the person or property of another because of the traits listed above. This may include such behavior as non-threatening name calling, using racial slurs/language or disseminating racist leaflets. Additionally, it includes actions such as but not limited to threatening phone calls, hate mail, physical assaults, and vandalism.
View full policy (PDF, 91 KB).
Ethos Statement: Five Principles of Student Conduct 08-09
Members
of the campus community must act out of Christian charity and mutual respect to establish
an atmosphere of trust, without which there is no community. Respect for others is founded
upon observing reasonable community and societal standards of conduct and interaction.
The effect of words and actions on third parties must also be considered. In an atmosphere
of intellectual inquiry it is expected that students will be respectful and civil in discourse
and discussion with those whose opinions they do not share. The University is particularly
concerned that its members show respect for others regardless of race, creed, gender,
disability, sexual orientation, or nationality and avoid all forms of offensive and harassing
behavior.
View full policy (PDF, 201 KB).
of the campus community must act out of Christian charity and mutual respect to establish
an atmosphere of trust, without which there is no community. Respect for others is founded
upon observing reasonable community and societal standards of conduct and interaction.
The effect of words and actions on third parties must also be considered. In an atmosphere
of intellectual inquiry it is expected that students will be respectful and civil in discourse
and discussion with those whose opinions they do not share. The University is particularly
concerned that its members show respect for others regardless of race, creed, gender,
disability, sexual orientation, or nationality and avoid all forms of offensive and harassing
behavior.
Other Speech Codes
Crosby Student Center: Publicity Policy 08-09
Any publicity material that is in violation of the Ethos Statement may not be permitted to be displayed on campus. Such violations are:
Explicitly sexual messages
Hate speech
Glorification of alcohol/drug abuse
Racist images or speech
Nudity
Profanity
Disrespect for others
Dishonesty
Also, any publicity material that is exclusionary in nature against any group on Gonzaga's campus may or may not be approved for posting. Publicity materials that are strictly opinion pieces may or may not be approved.
View full policy (PDF, 101 KB).
Explicitly sexual messages
Hate speech
Glorification of alcohol/drug abuse
Racist images or speech
Nudity
Profanity
Disrespect for others
Dishonesty
Also, any publicity material that is exclusionary in nature against any group on Gonzaga's campus may or may not be approved for posting. Publicity materials that are strictly opinion pieces may or may not be approved.
Student Handbook: Events Policy 08-09
Permission to invite a guest speaker or to host an event for the public on campus may be denied altogether if:
1. The speech or event would not constitute a legitimate educational experience or otherwise contribute to the University’s mission; or
2. The speech or event is likely to confuse the public or students about or offend the University’s core values or mission as a Catholic, Jesuit, humanistic institution by advocating positions or activity contrary to Catholic teachings and the person or group seeking permission refuses to accept provisions for appropriate response or counter-programming; or
3. There is a substantial risk that the speech or event would conflict with University policies concerning the creation of a hostile learning environment ....
View full policy (PDF, 139 KB).
1. The speech or event would not constitute a legitimate educational experience or otherwise contribute to the University’s mission; or
2. The speech or event is likely to confuse the public or students about or offend the University’s core values or mission as a Catholic, Jesuit, humanistic institution by advocating positions or activity contrary to Catholic teachings and the person or group seeking permission refuses to accept provisions for appropriate response or counter-programming; or
3. There is a substantial risk that the speech or event would conflict with University policies concerning the creation of a hostile learning environment ....
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in March 2009. 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.
