San Francisco State University
A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.
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)
Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures 12-13
Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature are forms of sexual harassment when: ... c. such conduct has the purpose or effect of hindering performance by creating or allowing sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive behavior to occur in the university or in a university-related setting.
View full policy (PDF, 286 KB).
Executive Order 1074: Systemwide Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Against Students 12-13
Harassment means unwelcome conduct engaged in because of a Protected Status that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered by a reasonable person in the shoes of the Student, and is in fact considered by the Student, as limiting the Student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the University.
Sexual Harassment, as defined in California Education Code 212.5, consists of both non-sexual conduct based on sex or sex-stereotyping and conduct that is sexual in nature, and includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature where: ... The conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered by a reasonable person in the shoes of the Student, and is in fact considered by the Student, as limiting the Student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the University.
View full policy (PDF, 482 KB).
Executive Order 1072: Implementation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Related Sexual Harassment/Violence Legislation for CSU Students 12-13
"Sexual Harassment" is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that includes, but is not limited to: sexual violence; sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; indecent exposure; and other verbal, nonverbal or physical unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, where such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered by a reasonable person in the shoes of the individual, and is in fact considered by the individual, as limiting the individual's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the university. Sexual harassment also includes gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, non-verbal or physical aggression, intimidation or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.
View full policy (PDF, 256 KB).
University Housing: Community Living Standards- Sexual Harassment Policy 12-13
The following conduct is prohibited:
Unwelcome attention to one's sexuality; Questions about sexual behavior;
Sexually oriented jokes;
Unwelcome conversations with obvious sexual innuendos and double meanings;
Sexually suggestive pictures or objects;
Displays to embarrass or humiliate;
Unwelcome touching, fondling, or assault;
Unwelcome and repeated requests for dates or propositions for sexual favors.
View full policy (PDF, 115 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Office of Student Conduct: Standards for Student Conduct 12-13
Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and contribute positively to student and university life.
View full policy (PDF, 179 KB).
Free Speech Zones
Time, Place and Manner: Use of Buildings and Grounds 12-13
Spontaneous events occasioned by news or issues coming into public knowledge
may be held on campus without advance permission so long as they adhere to all
University policies and the restrictions outlined above ....
The University actively promotes free expression and the exchange of ideas, perspectives and viewpoints. Within the context of this policy, free speech activity includes, but is not limited to the following: pure or symbolic speech, assembly, meeting, demonstrations or rallies, picketing, petitioning, mime and theater, music and singing, and religious or political expression. ... There shall be no restrictions on legally-protected free speech activity based on the content of such speech or expression or on the political, religious, or other affiliations of speakers. Speech activity not protected by the U.S. Constitution or by this policy includes defamation, obscenity, terrorist threats, false advertising, and the promotion of actual or imminent violence or harm.
View full policy (PDF, 1135 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Acceptable Use Policy 12-13
It is a violation of this policy to use electronic means to harass, threaten, or otherwise cause harm to an individual, whether by direct or indirect reference.
View full policy (PDF, 765 KB).
Standards for Student Conduct 12-13
Misuse of computer facilities or resources, including: ... Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or intimidating and abusive messages.
View full policy (PDF, 179 KB).
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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.
