Red Light School

Howard 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: Private
Federal Circuit: DC Circuit
Head of Institution: President Sidney A Ribeau
Howard University
2400 Sixth Street, NW
Suite 402
Washington, DC 20059
202-806-2500
andrew.rivers@howard.edu
Website: http://www.howard.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)

Red light: Sexual Harassment Policy 12-13

The following examples are illustrative of conduct that, if proven, would be considered by the University to establish sexual harassment in either an employment or an academic setting: ... insults, jokes, or anecdotes that belittle or demean an individual or group's sexuality or gender ....
This policy applies to all members of the University community.
View full policy (PDF, 600 KB).

Red light: Student Code of Conduct: Prohibited Behaviors 12-13

Engaging in verbal, electronic, visual, written or physical behavior directed at an individual or group that, in the view of a person of reasonable sensibilities, is likely to provoke or otherwise result in, a negative or injurious response, mental or emotional distress, or related reaction or consequence.
View full policy (PDF, 1300 KB).

Green light: Student Code of Conduct: Prohibited Behaviors 12-13

With respect to academic programs and activities, "sexual harassment" shall mean unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other electronic, verbal, visual, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:

A. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a basis for any decision affecting the terms or conditions of participation in any such pro-gram or activity or status in an academic course; or

B. such conduct has the purpose or affect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s educational right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity; or

C. such conduct is so pervasive or severe that it creates an intimidating, stressful, hostile, or offensive environment for learning and has no reasonable relationship to the subject matter of the relevant course of instruction.
View full policy (PDF, 1300 KB).

Yellow light: Student Code of Conduct: Prohibited Behaviors 12-13

Discrimination:

A. Engaging in verbal or physical behavior directed at an individual or group based on national origin, race, creed, gender, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation that, according to a person of reasonable sensibilities, is likely to create an intimidating or demeaning environment that impedes the access of other students, faculty and staff to the educational benefits available to them as a member of the University community. The Code includes bias-related or hate crimes as defined in the DC Code.

B. Wearing articles of clothing with derogatory, racist, discriminatory, patently offensive, profane, sexually explicit, or graphic messages either in words or pictures, which demonstrate bias or discrimination against any individual or group within the University community.
View full policy (PDF, 1300 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Guidelines and Procedures for Vending and Posting of Flyers 12-13

The University prohibits the posting of advertisements, announcements that it considers lewd, indecent or vulgar ....
Before displaying any advertisement, including signs, posters or placards on the bulletin boards or other display spaces at Howard University, the University employee, organization, department or recognized student organization must obtain authorization from the scheduling office. The name(s) of the sponsoring organization(s)/entity must appear on all advertisements. Requests for permission to distribute handbills, flyers or publications must be made directly to the Scheduling Office for authorization for posting and/or distribution of the materials.
View full policy (PDF, 250 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Green light: Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Network Systems 12-13

Use of electronic communication facilities (such as e-mail, instant messaging, talk, chat rooms, threaded discussions or systems with similar functions) to send fraudulent, harassing, obscene, threatening, or other messages that are a violation of applicable federal, state or other law or University policy is prohibited.
View full policy (PDF, 423 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Code of Conduct: Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities 12-13

As members of the University Community, all students are guaranteed freedom of expression, inquiry and assembly, the right to form a student government, organize groups, to join associations in support of any cause or common interest, and to peacefully protest, provided that, such activity is conducted in a legal manner, is in accord with University regulations, and does not abridge the rights of others.
View full policy (PDF, 1300 KB).

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