Northeastern Illinois 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 Sharon K Hahs
Northeastern Illinois University
Office of the President
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625-4699
773-583-5400
S-Hahs@neiu.edu
Website: http://www.neiu.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)

Student Handbook: Sexual Harassment Policy 10-11

Given the cultural diversity which is characteristic of the Northeastern community, we need to be alert to the fact that
behaviors are perceived differently by individuals from different cultural backgrounds. What is intimidating, hostile, or
offensive to persons from one group, is not perceived in that way by others.
The term sexual harassment as used by
Northeastern Illinois University in this policy encompasses behavior described by the EEOC: "unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment
when ... (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an
individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment."
The second category,
"hostile environment," refers to patterns of behavior or incidents (including verbal, non-verbal, physical, or other) which may
seem harmless as individual events, but which may be considered intimidating, hostile, or offensive when taken together.
There is no comprehensive definition of those patterns of behavior which constitute a hostile environment; however, the
"reasonable woman" standard is often used to evaluate the environment in these situations.
View full policy (PDF, 680 KB).

Student Handbook: University Student Conduct Code 10-11

A student is subject to University discipline for participating or conspiring in the following acts of misconduct.
...
Lewd, obscene, or disruptive conduct, or racial/ethnic, homophobic or other legally prohibited harassment.
...
Intentionally intimidating, impelling, threatening, or humiliating any member of the University community through
conduct that violates the University's Policy on Sexual Harassment, including prohibited conduct caused by homophobia.
View full policy (PDF, 676 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Student Handbook: Demonstrating on Campus 10-11

Demonstrations on property owned or operated by Northeastern Illinois University may take place only at the following locations:

1. Village Square, Main Campus, or other indoor locations acceptable to the responsible University personnel.
2. Outside buildings on campus property.
3. Northernmost section of parking lot, Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies.
4. El Centro (outside the building).

Demonstrations in other locations are strictly prohibited.
View full policy (PDF, 272 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources 10-11

Unauthorized uses (some of which may also constitute illegal uses) include, but are not limited to, the following:
...
Posting or sending ... offensive material which is not related in any matter to academically approved research & learning, providing instruction or within the person's official business capacity.
View full policy (PDF, 1524 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Handbook: University Student Conduct Code 10-11

Northeastern Illinois University exists for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of
students, and the general well being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment
of these goals. As members of the academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical
judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth.
View full policy (PDF, 676 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 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.