McNeese State 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: Public
Federal Circuit: Fifth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Philip Williams
McNeese State University
Office of the President
BBC 444
BOX 93300
Lake Charles, LA 70609
337-475-5556
pwilliams@mail.mcneese.edu
Website: http://www.mcneese.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)

Diversity Awareness Policy 10-11

STANDARDS OF FACULTY AND STAFF BEHAVIOR ... The commission of any act that is derogatory in relation to race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age will not be tolerated.
The commission of any act that discriminates against or harasses another in relation to race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age will not be tolerated.
View full policy (PDF, 125 KB).

Diversity Awareness Policy 10-11

The use of any term or the commission of any act that is sexually derogatory or discriminatory will not be tolerated.
Sexual harassment may be either same gender or different gender. It includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of this nature where: ... Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment;
Submission to or rejection of such conduct results in an individual being denied opportunities to advance professionally or academically where ability and/or other relevant factors would normally be the basis for such advancement.
View full policy (PDF, 125 KB).

Code of Student Conduct 10-11

Abuse: Physical or mental abuse or the threat thereof against any
person (s) which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person (s).
Harassment: Mental or sexual harassment.
Disrespect: Failure to observe appropriate decorum and demonstrate proper respect toward University-employed officials acting within the scope of their duty.
View full policy (PDF, 109 KB).

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

Student Handbook: Civility in the Learning Community 10-11

The University actively seeks to create a learning community
characterized by scholarship, mutual respect, free exchange of
ideas, and appreciation of the diverse viewpoints present within the
campus environment. Students and their guests are expected to embrace
this effort by interacting, speaking and otherwise communicating
with one another in ways that convey professionalism, mutual
respect and collegiality at all times.
View full policy (PDF, 321 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Public Forum Regulations Policy and Procedures 09-10

As a publicly-supported institution within the University of Louisiana System, McNeese State University values the publicly accessible nature of its campus and facilities and embraces the free and open exchange of ideas in the context of a diverse community of teachers and learners.
the University strongly encourages its students, faculty, and staff to engage in vigorous and collegial debate and discussion within the context of classroom instruction, formal and informal interactions with others, and in social interactions throughout the campus. University students and employees may freely communicate their ideas through the exchange of verbal and written communications and through formal and informal gatherings on the campus at any time and are encouraged to do so in a manner that does not interfere with the University's capacity to administer its core values of teaching and learning, research, public service, and student success.
View full policy (PDF, 89 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in July 2011. 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.