University of Arizona
Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. 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)
Student Code of Conduct 12-13
Prohibited Conduct ... Endangering, threatening, or causing physical harm to any member of the university community or to oneself causing reasonable apprehension of such harm or engaging in conduct or communications that a reasonable person would interpret as a serious expression of intent to harm. ... Engaging in harassment or repeated contact that a reasonable person would understand to be unwanted, including, but not limited to, stalking.
View full policy (PDF, 254 KB).
Policy on Threatening Behavior by Students 12-13
"Threatening behavior" means any statement, communication, conduct or gesture, including those in written form, directed toward any member of the University community that causes a reasonable apprehension of physical harm to a person or property. A student can be guilty of threatening behavior even if the person who is the object of the threat does not observe or receive it, so long as a reasonable person would interpret the maker’s statement, communication, conduct or gesture as a serious expression of intent to physically harm.
View full policy (PDF, 84 KB).
Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy 12-13
Harassment is a specific form of discrimination. It is unwelcome behavior based on a protected classification that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for academic pursuits, employment, or participation in University sponsored activities.
Harassing conduct may take many forms, including verbal acts and name calling, as well as nonverbal behavior, such as graphic, electronic, and written statements, or conduct that is physically offensive, harmful, threatening, or humiliating.
View full policy (PDF, 271 KB).
Free Speech Zones
Policy and Regulations Governing the Use of Campus 12-13
Activities/events that are expected to attract more than 25
people, or that are advertised in any medium, must be preceeded by
completion and approval of a Campus Use Activity Form not less than ten (10)
business days prior to the expected time of such activities.
Where a proposed event presents a concern for the health or safety of the
attendees, the University Community, or the public, or potential damage to
Univesity property or facilities, the University may require the event
sponsor to pay security costs adequate for the protection of those who
may attend the event and the University property involved. In determining
whether such a requirement is imposed, the Dean of Students and the
University of Arizona Police Department will consider objective criteria,
including the following: (1) the number of anticipated attendees, (2)
whether the proposed event involves an activity or structure that poses an
inherent risk of injury or property damage, (3) whether the sponsor intends
to charge admission to the event; and (4) any prior incidents of injury or
property damage during similar events at the University or other
instutitions.
View full policy (PDF, 625 KB).
Posting Policies
Policies and Procedures for Hall Living: Posting 12-13
Postings will not be rejected on the basis of content, but rather any mention of alcohol or drugs, either implied or explicit, will not be approved. Any postings which contain material displaying nudity or containing profanity is not allowed; material that is degrading to others, either implicitly or explicitly, based on race, gender, religion, social class, or sexual orientation will not be approved.
View full policy (PDF, 10262 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Acceptable Use of Computers and Networks 12-13
The University, in general, cannot and does not wish to be the arbiter of content maintained, distributed or displayed by users of the University's computing and network resources. For example, the University, in general, cannot protect users from receiving e-mail they may find offensive. Using the University's computer or network resources for illegal activities, however, is strictly prohibited. Unlawful use of University computer and network resources can expose the individual user and the University to damages claims, or potential criminal liability. Unlawful uses may include, but are not limited to: harassment and intimidation of individuals on the basis of race, sex, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability; obscenity; child pornography; threats; theft; attempting unauthorized access to data; attempting to breach security measures on any electronic communications software or system; attempting to intercept electronic communication transmissions without proper authority; and violation of intellectual property or defamation laws. Do not use computer systems to send, post, or display slanderous or defamatory messages, text, graphics, or images.
View full policy (PDF, 209 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.
