Red Light School

Marshall 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: Fourth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Stephen J Kopp
Marshall University
Marshall University
Old Main 216
One John Marshall Drive
Huntington, WV 25755
30-469-6230
kopp@marshall.edu
Website: http://www.marshall.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)

Red light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities- Standard 3 11-12

Harassment: Committing, conspiring to commit, or causing to be committed any act directed toward a specific person or persons with the intent and/or effect of causing physical or mental harm, injury, fear, stigma,
disgrace, degradation, or embarrassment. This includes but is not limited to racial, sexual, or peer harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 139 KB).

Red light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities- Standard 3 11-12

Racial Harassment, as defined in the Student Handbook, includes acts exhibiting prejudice and/or
racism and/or failure to follow University Policies concerning Acts of Intolerance.
View full policy (PDF, 139 KB).

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

Red light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities- Standard 2 11-12

2.K. Intimidation: Committing, conspiring to commit, or causing to be committed any act directed toward a specific person or persons with the intent and/or effect of stigmatizing, frightening, coercing, or demeaning that person.
View full policy (PDF, 75 KB).

Red light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities- Standard 3 11-12

Violations of this standard include but are not limited to: ... Incivility or disrespect of persons.
View full policy (PDF, 139 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities- Standard 3 11-12

Violations of this standard include but are not limited to: ... Lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression.
View full policy (PDF, 139 KB).

Red light: Student Handbook: Acts of Intolerance 11-12

Incidents
based, for example, on racial or sexual prejudice are inconsistent with our educational mission and will not be
tolerated.
View full policy (PDF, 163 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Marshall University Creed 11-12

We are:
...
A Civil Community treating all individuals and groups with consideration, decency, and respect, and expressing disagreements in rational ways;
A Responsible Community accepting obligations and following behavioral guidelines designed to support the common good; ... A Pluralistic Community celebrating and learning from our diversity ... A Socially Conscious Community acting as citizens of the world and seeking to contribute to the betterment of people and their environments; A Judicious Community remaining alert to the threats posed by hatred, intolerance and other injustices and ever-prepared to correct them.
View full policy (PDF, 511 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Public Communications- Demonstrations & Mass Gatherings 11-12

In all instances, those holding rallies and demonstrations are responsible for making the necessary provisions to maintain the peaceful demeanor of the rally.
Registration of a mass gathering must be made forty-eight (48) hours prior to the event in office of Student Activities or with the Dean of Student Affairs. The appropriate form must be filled out at that time. The purpose of the proposed rally or demonstration and the route of all moving demonstrations, rallies, or parades must be discussed and approved in advance by the Dean of Students, or his/her designee.
View full policy (PDF, 207 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Residence Hall Guide: Posting Policy 12-13

No literature or signs
promoting consumption of alcohol or displaying profanity or other offensive material may
be posted.
View full policy (PDF, 144 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Computer Abuse Policies- Common Forms of Violations 11-12

[T]his section outlines some of the more common forms of violations that occur. ... Sending abusive, harassing, or obscene messages. Viewing or listening to objectionable, obscene, pornographic, or harassing material in public areas.
View full policy (PDF, 313 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Handbook: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities- Student Rights and Responsibilities 11-12

The West Virginia Board of Trustees' Policy Bulletin 57 establishes and explains the following basic rights and responsibilities of students in West Virginia's state colleges and universities ... Freedom of expression and assembly.
View full policy (PDF, 511 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.