Red Light School

Governors 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: Seventh Circuit
Head of Institution: President Elaine P Maimon
Governors State University
1 University Parkway
Park Forest, IL 60466-0975
708-534-5000
e-maimon@govst.edu
Website: http://www.govst.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: Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Compliance Procedures 12-13

Acts considered to constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: ... the purpose or the effect of such conduct is to substantially interfere with the affected individual's work performance or academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment.
No person shall contribute to a hostile or abusive environment at Governors State University by engaging in harassing conduct (e.g., physical, verbal, graphic or written) that is unwelcome and sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to clearly interfere with or limit the ability of: (1) a student to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by the University; (2) an employee to engage in his/her work duties, or (3) a member of the University Community to receive or provide services. Whether conduct constitutes a hostile environment must be determined from the totality of the circumstances.
View full policy (PDF, 134 KB).

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

Red light: Student Handbook: Civility Policy 12-13

All members of the community must treat other members with civility and respect, while recognizing that disagreement and informed debate are valued in an academic community.
Demeaning, intimidating, threatening, or violent behavior, either in verbal or written form, that affects the ability to learn, teach, or work in the university community are unacceptable and violate Governors State University’s standard for civility and respect.
A university community member who has violated the policy is subject to disciplinary action, which may include separation of the offending party from the university, consistent with established disciplinary procedures.
View full policy (PDF, 124 KB).

Red light: Student Handbook: Student Conduct Code- Student Misconduct 12-13

Non-Academic Misconduct includes: ... Disparaging comments or statements regarding the religious affiliation, gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity of others.
View full policy (PDF, 164 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Student Organization Handbook: Posting and/or Distribution of Literature on the GSU Campus 12-13

Individuals who wish to distribute
posters, flyers, pamphlets, brochures
or other materials on the GSU campus
must request approval from the
Director, Department of Public Safety
prior to the dissemination. Materials
proposed for distribution on the GSU
campus will be reviewed for
appropriateness of content and
presentation (graphics, pictures,
language).
View full policy (PDF, 51 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Campus Computing: iMail Rules 12-13

Use of e-mail to harass, offend, or annoy other users is forbidden. Obscene, defamatory, or any other material that violates university policy on discrimination will not be tolerated.
View full policy (PDF, 144 KB).

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