Red Light School

Illinois 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 Al Bowman
Illinois State University
421 Hovey Hall
Campus Box 1000
Normal, IL 61790-1000
309-438-5677
Website: http://www.ilstu.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)

Red light: Anti-Harassment And Non-Discrimination Policy 12-13

While not all-inclusive, the following behavior is generally considered "conduct of a sexual nature" that, if unwelcome, may be characterized as sexual harassment:

Sexual Comments, Questions, Discussions, or Statements: Comments regarding physical attributes, sexual or �dirty� jokes, discussions about sexual activity or sexual performance, distributing sexually explicit pictures, drawings, or written material, and sexual hand and facial gestures. ....
As defined by law, the term "sexual harassment" refers to uninvited and unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal behavior of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe or pervasive such that it interferes with an individual’s participation in a University program or activity or unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, sexual advances, repeated date requests, sexual gestures, sexual cartoons or images, discussions about sexual activity, sexual assault, sexual violence, and relationship violence. Whether the harassing conduct is considered severe or pervasive depends upon the context, nature, scope, frequency, duration, and location(s) in which the behavior occurred, as well as, the identity, number, and relationships of the persons involved.
View full policy (PDF, 384 KB).

Yellow light: Code of Student Conduct: Misconduct 12-13

Engaging in conduct that threatens or endangers the health
or safety of any person, or creates in such person a reasonable fear that
such a result will occur, including but not limited to: ... engaging in any action which is unwanted and results in a
reasonable fear for imminent bodily harm and/or the
emotional/mental disruption of a person’s daily life or
educational environment.
View full policy (PDF, 32 KB).

Red light: University Housing Policies: Harassment Policy 12-13

Harassment can be:
Verbal, nonverbal, or physical
Exclusion based upon personal or group differences
Intimidation or humiliation based on personal or group differences
Abusive language, threats, or similar acts of bigotry, racism, sexism, or discrimination
Jokes, comments, gossip or graffiti that perpetuate personal or group myths, fallacies,
prejudices, or stereotypes
Any subtle or direct references based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation,
national origin, or religion which demean, exclude, intimidate, or adversely affect an
individual(s)
Unsolicited e-mail or telephone calls containing abusive language and/or threats which
cause discomfort or are derogatory or sexual in nature
Unsolicited, deliberate or repeated sexually derogatory statements, gestures or physical
contact which are objectionable to the recipient and which cause discomfort or
humiliation pressure from a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same
sex
View full policy (PDF, 124 KB).

Green light: Anti-Harassment And Non-Discrimination Policy 12-13

Illinois State University will not tolerate harassing behavior related to one’s race, color, ancestry, and national origin that is sufficiently severe or pervasive such that it interferes with an individual’s participation in a University program or activity or unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment. Whether the harassing conduct is considered severe or pervasive depends upon the context, nature, scope, frequency, duration, and location(s) in which the behavior occurred, as well as, the identity, number, and relationships of the persons involved.
View full policy (PDF, 384 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Red light: Code of Student Conduct: To Be An Illinois State University Student 12-13

When individual behavior conflicts with the values of the University, the individual must choose whether to adapt his or her behavior to meet the needs of the community or to leave the University.
[W]e expect you to understand that
the University has non-negotiable values in which it believes strongly. These values include:

* Character
* Conscience
* Civility
* Citizenship
* An Appreciation of Diversity
* Individual and Social Responsibility
View full policy (PDF, 33 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: Outdoor Event Notification 12-13

All groups or organizations planning outdoor campus events should notify Illinois State University Grounds Management a minimum of two weeks prior to the event.
View full policy (PDF, 69 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: University Housing Policies: Posting Policy 12-13

UHS allows registered student organizations and University departments to post fliers and posters in designated public areas with the following stipulations: ... * The poster/flier does not contain references to alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, or to any event, activity, program, or sponsor whose purpose or activity is the sale, use, or promotion of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
* The poster/flier does not contain profanity.
View full policy (PDF, 246 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: Policy on Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources and Systems 12-13

Additional examples of other inappropriate communications include but are not limited to, the following: ... Any communication that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, or creates in such person a reasonable fear that such will occur, including but not limited to, an individual being fearful of bodily or emotional/mental harm.
View full policy (PDF, 199 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.