Red Light School

University of Nevada, Reno

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: Ninth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Marc Johnson
University of Nevada, Reno
Office of the President/ 001
Reno, NV 89557
775-784-4805
president@unr.edu
Website: http://www.unr.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)

Yellow light: Student Code of Conduct: Student Conduct Regulations and Policies 12-13

The following conduct is prohibited: ... Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion, and/or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
View full policy (PDF, 149 KB).

Yellow light: Office of Student Conduct: University Policies and Guidelines- Sexual Harassment 12-13

As defined by Board of Regents Policy, Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 13, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, and other visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: ... the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or work
performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment in which to work or learn.
Examples of unwelcome conduct of a sexual or gender related nature that may constitute sexual harassment may, but do not necessarily, include, and are not limited to: ... Sexually explicit or gender related statements, comments, questions, jokes, innuendos, anecdotes, or gestures; ... Use of electronic mail or computer dissemination of sexually oriented, sex-based communications; ... Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, magazines, cartoons, or screen savers ....
View full policy (PDF, 438 KB).

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

Yellow light: Residence Life Student Handbook: Disorderly Conduct/Unacceptable Behavior 12-13

Violating these provisions can
lead to immediate removal from the residence halls:
A. Any behavior or action, physical or verbal, in which the mode of expression is lewd, vulgar, indecent and
plainly offensive irrespective of its content or viewpoint. Verbal abuse, offensive language, which, when
viewed objectively, creates a hostile environment substantially disrupting or interfering with the work of the
school or the rights of other students, including, but not limited to, that which constitutes discrimination or
harassment relating to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected class.
View full policy (PDF, 206 KB).

Yellow light: University General Course Catalog: University Values and the Exchange of Ideas 12-13

While prohibition of certain forms of speech can have a chilling effect on the free and open exchange of ideas, a policy of civility and tolerance can protect an environment which is free of intimidation to promote open debate.

Personal verbal harassment of one individual by another is uncivil behavior, which can taint or pollute the learning climate and discourage open expression of ideas on legitimate academic subjects.
View full policy (PDF, 47 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Residence Life Student Handbook: Computing and Network Resources 12-13

[A] user of University of Nevada, Reno Computing and Networking Resources, including residence
hall computer labs and Ethernet connections agrees not to: ... Send offensive mail or access offensive material; change, remove or destroy any data stored electronically
without proper authorization; corrupt data on any system through the use of viruses, worms, trojan horses, or
other techniques.
View full policy (PDF, 202 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Administrative Manual: Public Forum 12-13

This University has always created an environment for raising challenging questions and the discussion of significant issues. There is perhaps none more significant that the challenge and issue of free speech. A
function of free speech is to invite dispute which can result in unrest, anger, and dissatisfaction. It is in this light that the university has traditionally understood the First Amendment's application to our campus. Of all social institutions, the university should be the most friendly toward and protective of the right of free expression.
Public expression in the form of freedom of speech and advocacy is a fundamental right and an essential
element in the marketplace of ideas of higher education. In the spirit of open discussion and freedom of
expression, any individual or group may use campus grounds to exercise this constitutionally protected right. This policy applies to outside public areas such as sidewalks, lawns, and plazas.
View full policy (PDF, 184 KB).

Green light policy: University General Course Catalog: University Values and the Exchange of Ideas 12-13

The modern land grant university fosters the acquisition of knowledge and the distribution of newly discovered information. It enlivens curiosity, cultivates critical judgement and encourages the contribution of its informed students to the development of American society. The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to these land grant goals and to the maintenance of an academic environment which advances the free exchange of ideas.
View full policy (PDF, 47 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.