Yellow Light School

Colorado State University

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: Tenth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Tony Frank
Colorado State University
102 Administration
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6211
presofc@lamar.colostate.edu
Website: http://welcome.colostate.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

Policies on Diversity and Multiculturalism (Learn More)

Yellow light: Residence Hall Handbook: Mission- Commitment to Diversity 12-13

Bigotry has no place within our community, nor does the denigration of other
human beings on the basis of age, physical handicap, national origin, sexual
orientation, race, gender, or religious affiliation. We do not tolerate verbal or
written abuse, threats, intimidation, violence, or other forms of harassment
against any member of our community. Likewise, we do not accept ignorance,
anger, alcohol, or substance abuse as an excuse, reason, or rationale for such
behavior. All of us who work and live in the residence hall community must be committed
to these principles, which are an integral part of our purpose, values, and daily activities.
View full policy (PDF, 81 KB).

Harassment Policies (Learn More)

Yellow light: Student Conduct Code: Prohibited Conduct - Individuals 12-13

Abusive conduct, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, bullying, stalking, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the physical or psychological health, safety, or welfare of one’s self, another individual or a group of individuals.
View full policy (PDF, 178 KB).

Green light: General Catalog: Policies and Guiding Principles- Sexual Harassment Policy 12-13

Facts will be judged on the basis of what is reasonable to persons of ordinary sensitivity and not on the particular sensitivity or reaction of an individual.
Sexual harassment occurs when unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature appear in any of the following contexts: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person’s academic performance or work, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic or work environment.
View full policy (PDF, 972 KB).

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

Yellow light: General Catalog: Policies and Guiding Principles - Freedom from Personal Abuse 12-13

The University acknowledges the right of all people to freedom from personal abuse. Abusive treatment of individuals on a personal or stereotyped basis prevents the attainment of the University objective to create and maintain an environment which supports, nurtures, and encourages people to excel in teaching, learning, and creativity. Therefore, the University deplores, condemns, and will act energetically to prevent all forms of personal abuse, including sexual harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 972 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Green light: The Source: Peaceful Assembly 12-13

[P]ersons planning such assemblies on University property are strongly encouraged to coordinate their activities and plans in advance through Lory Student Center Event Planning Services.
The Lory Student Center Plaza has been designated as the primary "Public Forum" space for Colorado State University--open to all individuals for the purpose of free speech. ... Groups that have not reserved the Lory Student Center Plaza for Peaceful Assembly may be asked to reschedule based on the University's ability to safely support the event.
View full policy (PDF, 9921 KB).

Yellow light: General Catalog: Policies and Guiding Principles - Right to Peaceful Assembly 12-13

The University may, consistent with the Constitution, establish reasonable regulations regarding the time, place, and manner in which persons exercise their free speech rights to the extent necessary to prevent disruption of the normal conduct of University affairs or endangerment of health and safety of persons or damage to property. Accordingly, persons planning such assemblies on the University campus must coordinate their activities and plans in advance through the Lory Student Center Event Planning Office.
View full policy (PDF, 972 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: Student Conduct Code: Prohibited Conduct - Individuals 12-13

Abuse of computer facilities or technological resources including but not limited to: ... sending abusive or obscene messages or images....
View full policy (PDF, 178 KB).

Policies on Bias and Hate Speech

Yellow light: Residence Hall Handbook: Harassment, Hate Crimes, & Bias Incidents 12-13

Bias incidents are non-criminal activity against a person or property that is motivated,
in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias against perceived or actual race, ethnicity,
national origin, religion, ability, age, gender, gender expression, socioeconomic status
or sexual orientation. Bias incidents are prohibited in the residence halls.
View full policy (PDF, 76 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Conduct Code: Expectations of All CSU Students 12-13

All University members may engage in discussion; exchange thought and opinion; and speak, write, or print freely on any subject in accordance with Federal or State constitutions. This broad principle is the cornerstone of education in a democracy. Colorado State University values and respects diversity including political, philosophical and cultural viewpoints.
View full policy (PDF, 161 KB).

NOTE: You must have Adobe Acrobat installed to view policies in PDF format.

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