Red Light School

University of South Florida

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 Judy Genshaft
University of South Florida
Office of the President
4202 E. Fowler Ave., ADM241
Tampa, FL 33620
813-974-2791
jgensha@admin.usf.edu
Website: http://www.usf.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)

Green light: USF System Policies and Procedures Manual: Student Code of Conduct- Harassment 12-13

Harassment - Conduct which creates an unsafe, intimidating or hazardous situation that interferes with the ability of a USF system student or employee to study, work, or carry out USF system functions.
View full policy (PDF, 1988 KB).

Red light: University of South Florida System: Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment 12-13

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: ... Such conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to alter the conditions of, or have the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with, an individual's work or academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.
Examples of Prohibited Conduct Include, but Are Not Limited To: ... 1. Displaying or telling sexually oriented jokes, statements, photographs, drawings, computer images, web sites, videos, slides, graphics, calendars, cartoons, e-mails or other communications.
2. Making sexually explicit or suggestive gestures or sounds. ....
Harassment does not include verbal expression, written or other material that is relevant and appropriately related to the subject matter of a course/curriculum or to an employee's duties. This policy is not intended to abridge academic freedom or USF's educational mission. Furthermore, this policy is not violated by actions that amount to expression that is protected by the state or federal constitutions.
View full policy (PDF, 1111 KB).

Red light: USF System Policies and Procedures Manual: Diversity and Equal Opportunity- Discrimination and Harassment 12-13

Examples of Prohibited Conduct Include, but Are Not Limited To:

1. Writing or displaying letters, notes, or e-mails which are derogatory toward any
individual’s race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age,
genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or veteran
status.
2. Making comments, slurs, or jokes which are derogatory toward any individual’s race,
color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information,
sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or veteran status. ... 4. Making gestures or displaying pictures, cartoons, posters, or magazines which are
derogatory toward any individual’s race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression, or veteran status.
View full policy (PDF, 863 KB).

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

Yellow light: Division of Student Affairs: Rights and Responsibilities 12-13

Student rights...The right of respect for personal feelings, freedom from indignity, and to expect an education of the highest quality.
View full policy (PDF, 349 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Yellow light: Division of Student Affairs: Commitment to Honor 12-13

By joining this community, each member is expected to accept and live these commitments. ... I resolve to respect the dignity and intrinsic value of all persons.
View full policy (PDF, 304 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Green light: Student Organization Handbook: Distribution of Literature 12-13

[N]on-commercial speech activities are permitted in
outdoor University locations open to the general public exclusive of sidewalks, building entrances or other
areas where normal traffic may be obstructed.
View full policy (PDF, 99 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Resident Handbook: Posting/Offensive Materials 12-13

Any materials posted in common areas including outside of room/apartment doors, windows, hallways, lounges, kitchens, etc. are subject to approval by Housing and
Residential Education staff. Residents who are offended by materials posted in common areas or their rooms should contact their Resident Assistant, Residence Life
Coordinator or Assistant Residence Life Coordinator immediately.
View full policy (PDF, 71 KB).

Yellow light: Student Organization Handbook: Distribution of Literature 12-13

[N]on-commercial material or literature, the author of which is identified, may be handed out in any outdoor
University location open to the general public.
View full policy (PDF, 99 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: USF System Policies and Procedures Manual: Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources 12-13

Other examples of inappropriate actions under this policy include, but are not limited to, the following: ... Transmission of threatening or abusive emails or publishing of material that violates USF System rules, regulations, policies or the Student Code of Conduct.
View full policy (PDF, 312 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Yellow light: Student Organization Handbook: Student Organizations Event and Meeting Services Policies 12-13

All reservation requests may be subject to an event review and approval by the AD, MSC Director, Division
of Student Affairs, other University officials as deemed appropriate, and/or the University Police.
Events that require approval are listed below, but are not limited to these situations: ... Controversial or popular, musicians, films, debates, lectures, etc.
View full policy (PDF, 116 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

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

Student rights...The constitutional rights of freedom of expression and assembly.
View full policy (PDF, 349 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 February 2013. 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.