Red Light School

Missouri 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: Eighth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Clif Smart
Missouri State University
Carrington Hall, Room 201
901 South National Avenue

417-836-8500
president@missouristate.edu
Website: http://www.missouristate.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)

Yellow light: Guidance on Sexual Harassment and Amorous Relationships 12-13

Sexual harassment is interaction of a sexual nature between people that results in sex discrimination. It occurs where work or study relationships are inappropriately and gratuitously sexualized and encompasses such conduct as: ... Repeated demeaning verbal or expressive behavior that is harmful to another's work or learning environment.
View full policy (PDF, 124 KB).

Green light: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Proscribed Conduct 12-13

Sexual Harassment: which includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other unwelcome written, verbal, or physical contact of a sexual nature when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for that individual's employment, education, or participation in a University program or activity.
View full policy (PDF, 737 KB).

Green light: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Proscribed Conduct 12-13

Harassment, which is unwelcome conduct toward another person or an identifiable group of persons which is severe or pervasive and has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning, working, or living environment.
View full policy (PDF, 737 KB).

Red light: Guide to Residence Hall Living: Disorderly Conduct/Harassment 12-13

The following regulations include actions or behavior directed toward either students or staff:
...
C. Disruptive or offensive behavior; lewd, indecent or obscene conduct, dress, or communication (written or verbal);
D. Harassment, including sexual harassment, acts or communications (including phone calls and email) that are intended to intimidate or humiliate any person. Sending offensive materials to the reception desk laser printer is construed as harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 153 KB).

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

Yellow light: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Responsibilities 12-13

Students are expected to respect differences of culture, lifestyles, and religions as well as to respect freedom of expression. Additionally, students are expected to behave in a manner that is both respectful and civil.
View full policy (PDF, 737 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Green light: Expressive Activity Policy 12-13

To ensure priority use and to avoid possible conflict with scheduled University activities, reservations are recommended but are not required.
All members of the Missouri State University community, which includes students, faculty, and staff, are encouraged to exercise the right of assembly, free speech and expression throughout the campus, when doing so does not disrupt the academic mission or daily University functions. Expressive activities will not be limited to any specific location on the University campus.
View full policy (PDF, 146 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Guide to Residence Hall Living: Room Decorations and Modifications 12-13

Pictures and other materials that may be considered objectionable are not to be displayed in areas that may be visible outside a residence hall room or suite (including viewed from outside of room through window or door).
View full policy (PDF, 171 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: Administrative and Information Services: Acceptable Use Policy 12-13

Regarding University resources, you may not perform these activities: ... Send or post illegal, defamatory, harassing, pornographic, obscene, or patently offensive sexual materials in email, web pages, newsgroup postings or other electronic forms of communication ....
View full policy (PDF, 156 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Rights 12-13

Federal and State constitutional guarantees of free inquiry, expression, and assembly are specifically restated as guarantees on this campus.
View full policy (PDF, 737 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 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.