Yellow Light School

University of Washington

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.

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Ninth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Michael K Young
University of Washington
Office of the President
301 Gerberding Hall
Box 351230
Seattle, WA 98195
206-543-5010
pres@u.washington.edu
Website: http://www.washington.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)

Green light: Student Conduct Code: Standards of Conduct 12-13 View full policy (PDF, 163 KB).

Green light: Presidential Orders: Non-discrimination and Affirmative Action 12-13

Harassment is conduct directed at a person because of the person's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or military status that is unwelcome and sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that:

1) It could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment, or

2) It has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance. Harassment is a form of discrimination.
View full policy (PDF, 264 KB).

Yellow light: Presidential Orders: Non-discrimination and Affirmative Action 12-13

Sexual harassment is a form of harassment based on the recipient's sex that is characterized by: ... Unwelcome and unsolicited language or conduct that is of a sexual nature or that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance.
View full policy (PDF, 264 KB).

Yellow light: Residence Hall System Community Standards 12-13

I will not use language or engage in other behavior that is threatening, abusive or harmful and that is directed towards anyone including, but not limited to, University staff, other students or guests.
I will not participate in any action or situation involving physical or mental abuse, harassment, bullying, cyber-bullying, intimidation, hazing, pranks or conduct that recklessly or intentionally endangers or threatens the health, safety or welfare of any person or results in damage to University property.
View full policy (PDF, 203 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Student Activities Office Policy Guide: Handbill Distribution 12-13

Non-commercial handbills, leaflets, and similar materials may be distributed by regularly enrolled students,
and by University personnel in public areas or areas outside University buildings, and in meeting rooms that
have been reserved for their use, so long as such distribution does not materially or substantially interfere
with the conduct of University functions or the freedom of movement.
Such materials must bear
identification as to the student organization responsible for its distribution.
View full policy (PDF, 83 KB).

Policies on Bias and Hate Speech

Yellow light: Housing and Food Services: Options and Resources for Victims of Bias-related Conduct 12-13

Some incidents of bias-related conduct may be addressed through formal disciplinary action. Others might be subject to protection under the provision of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Examples of Bias-related Harassment or Discrimination: An individual directs demeaning or derogatory statements to you personally on the basis of your race, religion, ethnicity, disability, national origin, age, gender or sexual orientation.
A form of bias-related conduct is referred to as hate speech. Hate speech can be defined as the use of expressions that are insensitive, demeaning or hostile in nature, but do not rise to the level of harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 50 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in March 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.