Red Light School

State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

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: Second Circuit
Head of Institution: President Cornelius B Murphy, Jr.
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
224 Bray Hall
Syracuse, NY 13210
315-470-6681
cbmurphy@esf.edu
Website: http://www.esf.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 Handbook: Code of Student Conduct 10-11

Harassment, whether physical or verbal,
oral or written, which is beyond the
bounds of protected free speech, directed
at a specific individual(s), easily
construed as "fighting words," and/or
likely to cause an immediate breach of
the peace.
View full policy (PDF, 5571 KB).

Red light: Student Handbook: Sexual Harassment Policy 10-11

It may include...
Verbal comments: Sexual innuendoes or jokes, comments that are suggestive or are about an individual's body, sexual propositions, advances or threats.
Non-verbal gestures: Sexually suggestive objects or pictures, suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling, obscene gestures.
What is sexual harassment?
Any repeated or unwanted verbal or physical advance, sexually explicit derogatory statements, or sexually discriminatory remarks made in the workplace or classroom, which is offensive or objectionable to the recipient or which causes the recipient discomfort, humiliation, or interferes with the recipient's job or education.
View full policy (PDF, 1326 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Green light: Use of ESF Computing and Network Resources 12-13

Under no circumstances, may any user use ESF computing
and network resources to libel, slander, or harass any other person.
View full policy (PDF, 192 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: ESF Electronic Mail System 10-11

Harassment: Sending e-mail in any form (including text, graphic or audio files) that may be perceived as harassment is prohibited.
View full policy (PDF, 2430 KB).

Policies on Bias and Hate Speech

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Bias Crimes Prevention 10-11

In addition to preventing and prosecuting hate/bias crimes, SUNY ESF University Police also assist in addressing bias-related activities that do not rise to the level of a crime. These activities, referred to as bias incidents and defined by the University as acts of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation directed at a member or group within the ESF community based on national origin, ethnicity, race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, color, creed, or marital status, may be addressed through the State University's Discrimination Complaint Procedure or the campus conduct code. Bias incidents can be reported to University Police as well as to the Office of Human Resources and/or the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs.
View full policy (PDF, 740 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.