Red Light School

Boston University

A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.

Public or Private: Private
Federal Circuit: First Circuit
Head of Institution: President Robert A Brown
Boston University
Office of the President
One Sherborn Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-2200
rabrown@bu.edu
Website: http://www.bu.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)

Red light: Boston University Lifebook: Sexual Harassment Policy 12-13

In general, sexual harassment encompasses any sexually related conduct which causes others discomfort, embarrassment, or humiliation, and any harassing conduct, sexually related or otherwise, directed toward an individual because of that individual's sex.
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination lists the following examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment:

* Unwelcome sexual advances - whether they involve physical touching or not;
* Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one's sex life;
* Comment on an individual's body, comment about an individual's sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess;
* Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or cartoons;
* Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, or suggestive or insulting comments;
* Inquiries into one's sexual experiences; and
* Discussion of one's sexual activities.
Sexual harassment is defined as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, whether intentional or unintentional, where: ... * the conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance, academic performance, or educational experience, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive working, educational, or living environment.
View full policy (PDF, 223 KB).

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

Red light: Boston University Lifebook: Nonacademic and Residential Policies: Tolerance of Others 12-13

Respecting the rights of other students presupposes that in the close and diverse society of residence life, student expression of opinion will be respectful of others and will be exercised in good taste and decency. Bigotry, hatred, and intolerance have no place in the residential community. In displaying or distributing expressions of opinion, students are expected to show respect for the aesthetic, social, moral, and religious feelings of others upon whom their views may be imposed. Students living in the residences are entitled to expect that those with whom they live will demonstrate tolerance for diversity and respect for privacy.
View full policy (PDF, 1337 KB).

Yellow light: Code of Student Responsibilities 12-13

Specific violations of student responsibilities include but are not limited to:
...
Physical or verbal abuse, or assault or the threat of assault to other persons.
View full policy (PDF, 485 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Boston University Lifebook: Nonacademic and Residential Policies: Door Decorations 12-13

The posting of materials on the exterior of room and apartment doors is permitted. However, it is expected that student expression will be respectful of others, will be exercised in good taste, and will not be in violation of the right of other persons to be free from invasion of their personal privacy.
View full policy (PDF, 1337 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Boston University Lifebook: University Conditions of Use and Policy on Computing Ethics 12-13

You must not use any computing facility irresponsibly or in a way that might needlessly interfere with the work of others. This includes transmitting or making accessible offensive, annoying, or harassing material....
View full policy (PDF, 183 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Code of Student Responsibilities 12-13

The general laws of society confer rights and impose obligations on all citizens. When they enter the University, students retain their rights under the laws of society, but student status confers no immunity or sanctuary from federal, state, or municipal laws.
View full policy (PDF, 485 KB).

Green light policy: Faculty Handbook: Academic Freedom 12-13

Academic freedom is essential in institutions of higher education if they are to make their proper contribution to the common good. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. It is that which justifies academic freedom, not the interest of the individual faculty member or even the interest of a particular university.

Academic freedom is the freedom to engage in research, scholarship, or other creative work in order to expand knowledge, to publish research findings, to teach and to learn in an atmosphere of unfettered free inquiry and exposition.
View full policy (PDF, 62 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.