University of South Alabama

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 Gordon Moulton
University of South Alabama
President's Office
Administration Building 122
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
251-460-6111
gmoulton@usouthal.edu
Website: http://www.southalabama.edu/

« Return to School Overview

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)

Student Handbook: Policies- Student Code of Conduct 10-11

Harassing, annoying or attempting or threatening physical harm to another person
or causing apprehension of harm. Addressing abusive language to include electronic
communication tending to incite an immediate breach of the peace to any person,
following a person in or about a public place or places, or engaging in a course of
conduct or repeatedly committing acts that alarm or seriously annoy another person.
View full policy (PDF, 173 KB).

Student Handbook: Policies- Student Code of Conduct 10-11

The term "discriminatory harassment" refers to acts of violence
and extremism that are motivated by considerations of an individual's race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
creed, national origin, ancestry, age or handicap.
View full policy (PDF, 173 KB).

Student Handbook: Policies- Student Code of Conduct 10-11

The term "sexual harassment" includes, but is not limited to the following: verbal
or non-verbal conduct with an inappropriate focus on gender or sexual history,
characteristics or preferences that are intimidating, demeaning, hostile, or
offensive; unwelcome verbal or physical advances; attempts to subject a person
to verbal or physical advances; attempts to subject a person to unwanted sexual
attention or to coerce a person into a sexual relationship; retaliation for a refusal
to comply with sexual demands.
View full policy (PDF, 173 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Student Handbook: USA Spirit- The Spirit of South Alabama 10-11

Becoming a member of the University of South Alabama's community necessitates that the spirit of a truly civilized community be fully embraced. As a member of the University community: ...
I will respect the spirit of equality which upholds the dignity of all persons.
... a commitment to this ideal means I will not compromise or demean the
dignity of individuals or groups, including hazing, intimidation, teasing, baiting, insulting, harassing, and discrimination. Instead, I will uphold the worth of all individuals. ... I will uphold the spirit of diversity which celebrates differences and discourages
bigotry.
... a commitment to this ideal affirms support for equal rights regardless of
one's age, sex, race, religion, disability, ethnic heritage, socio-economic status,
political, social or other affiliation. ... I will practice the spirit of stewardship which seeks to conserve the earth's
resources and to properly use all resources at my disposal.
... a commitment to this ideal means I will conserve the campus environment
and will use the resources provided me wisely, not wasting where I can
conserve, not expecting others to pick or clean up. ... When one embraces the Spirit of South Alabama by joining the community, it
behooves that person to exemplify and encourage behavior which promotes integrity,
equality, privacy, diversity, service, stewardship, and involvement.
View full policy (PDF, 53 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Student Handbook: Policies- USA Solicitation Policy 10-11

Demonstrations, speeches, and debates will be held around the Student Center unless the Vice President for Student Affairs is able to coordinate another appropriate campus location no less than three working days prior to the event. Authorization for any speech or demonstration beyond the Student Center will require identification of the individual or organization involved and agreement to abide by these regulations, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
View full policy (PDF, 55 KB).

Posting Policies

Student Handbook: Policies- USA Posting Policy 10-11

Materials may not make any reference in print or graphics to alcohol.
Only material which does not conflict with the educational mission
of the University shall be approved.
View full policy (PDF, 62 KB).

Residence Life Student Handbook: Room Decorating 10-11

Students may be asked to remove materials that appear to be
offensive to others.
View full policy (PDF, 1128 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Student Handbook: Policies- USA Student Computer Policy 10-11

Activity that violates state or federal law. This may include viewing, downloading,
posting, printing or sending pornography, or other sexually explicit, profane, obscene,
hostile, or blatantly offensive and intimidating material, including hate speech, threats,
harassing communications (as defined by law), or information that violates any state or
federal laws.
View full policy (PDF, 73 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 June 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.