Evergreen State College
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)
Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedure 12-13
"Harassment" is a form of behavior that is characterized by conduct: (1) based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled, Vietnam era or other eligible veteran which is unwelcome; AND (2) if sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment.
View full policy (PDF, 209 KB).
Student Conduct Code: Prohibited Conduct 12-13
Harassment which is defined as conduct against a person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, military status, or sexual orientation that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent to create an objectively hostile environment that interferes with or diminishes the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the college, or an employee to engage in work duties.
Harm, which is behavior directed at an individual that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent such that it diminishes or interferes with the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the college or an employee to engage in their work duties.
View full policy (PDF, 874 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Evergreen's Social Contract 12-13
The Social Contract is an agreement... Civility is not just a word; it must be present in all our interactions.
View full policy (PDF, 132 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources 12-13
In light of all the policies outlined above in this document, the following are examples of specifically prohibited activities:
... sexual harassment or harassment based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
View full policy (PDF, 216 KB).
Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Bias Related Incident Response Protocol: Practices & Procedures 12-13
The College champions free expression. The ways in which we address bias incidents respect that value. Bias incidents often center around speech that many community members find offensive. Those who engage in the speech that offends others and those that respond to the speech may be protected by First Amendment rights. When the speech is protected, neither the student conduct system nor criminal justice system can be applied. It is through the speech of others including, the Bias Incident Team that bias incidents are best addressed.
Investigations will be conducted to determine possible violations of college policies and local, state or federal laws and regulations. Students, faculty and/or staff who have committed a hate crime or bias incident may be accountable under the criminal justice system, the Student Conduct Code and/or the applicable College policy.
View full policy (PDF, 136 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Evergreen's Social Contract 12-13
When you make the decision to come to Evergreen, you are also making the decision to become closely associated with its values. A central focus of those values is freedom -- freedom to explore ideas and to discuss those ideas in both speech and print; freedom from reprisal for voicing concerns and beliefs, no matter how unpopular. It's this freedom that is so necessary in a vibrant, dynamic learning community.
View full policy (PDF, 132 KB).
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in April 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.
