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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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)

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Compliance Procedures 10-11

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, 71 KB).

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

Student Handbook: Civility Policy 10-11

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.
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.
View full policy (PDF, 28 KB).

Student Handbook: Student Conduct Code- Conduct Prohibitions 10-11

Academic/non-academic misconduct is defined as:
...
Disparaging comments or statements regarding the religious affiliation, gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity of others.
View full policy (PDF, 47 KB).

Posting Policies

Student Organization Handbook: Posting and/or Distribution of Literature on the GSU Campus 10-11

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, 396 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Campus Computing: iMail Rules 10-11

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, 57 KB).

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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.