Florida Gulf Coast 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: Eleventh Circuit
Head of Institution: President Wilson G Bradshaw
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965
239-590-1055
President@fgcu.edu
Website: http://www.fgcu.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)

Student Guidebook: Student Code of Conduct- Sexual Misconduct or Abuse 10-11

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct of a
sexual nature which prevents or impairs another person’s enjoyment of the
educational benefits, atmosphere, or opportunities provided as part of the
University.
View full policy (PDF, 8104 KB).

Student Guidebook: Student Code of Conduct - Personal Abuse 10-11

a) Physical harm or threat of physical harm to others or against oneself.
b) Harassment or stalking, including written or electronic communication, that
could cause severe emotional distress, intimidation, or coercion to another
person.
c) Direct verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion and/or other
conduct that endangers the health, safety, or wellbeing of others.
d) Retaliation against or harassment of complainant(s) or other person(s)
alleging misconduct.
View full policy (PDF, 8104 KB).

Student Guidebook: University Regulations and Links- Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Regulation 10-11

Scope of prohibitions: This Regulation covers all employment practices, educational, athletic, cultural and social programs, services and activities occurring on a campus of; or sponsored by, Florida Gulf Coast University and, housing supplied by the University.
Conduct which falls within the definition of harassment includes, but is not limited to, that which unreasonably interferes with an employee’s, student’s, or applicant’s status or performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment and is based upon membership in one of the categories protected in paragraph (a) above. It includes offensive or demeaning language or treatment of an individual, where such language or treatment is based typically on prejudicial stereotypes of a group to which an individual may belong, such as, objectionable epithets, threatened or actual physical harm or abuse, or other intimidating or insulting conduct directed against the individual.
View full policy (PDF, 1678 KB).

Housing Policies and Regulations Handbook: Harassment 10-11

Harassment includes physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, coercion and/or
other conduct (in person, written, or otherwise), which threatens or endangers the health or
safety of any person. Fighting words and statements which reasonably endanger the health
and safety of any person are not protected speech and may result in University action.
View full policy (PDF, 929 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Student Guidebook: Student Code of Conduct - Computer Misuse 10-11

Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive messages.
View full policy (PDF, 8104 KB).

Student Guidebook: University Regulations and Links- Email Policy 10-11

The following are inappropriate uses of the University's email system. Items of this nature should not be sent. This list is not exhaustive, but contains key items that will be deemed inappropriate use and may be subject to disciplinary action ... Use of email, chat rooms, or other Internet devices that is defamatory such as, but not limited to, racially or sexually charged messages, jokes or cartoons.
View full policy (PDF, 1099 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Guidebook: University Regulations and Links- Public Expression and Assembly 10-11

The freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Florida shall be enjoyed by all members of the University community.
Demonstrations may be held anywhere on campus, so long as they do not disrupt the normal operations of the University or infringe on the rights of other members of the University community, except that no demonstrations may be held inside University buildings.
Persons engaged in speech occurring in public spaces that requires no University support or services are not required to coordinate the activity with Campus Reservations but must follow all University Policies and Regulations.
View full policy (PDF, 700 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 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.