Red Light School

University of Illinois at Chicago

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: Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares
University of Illinois at Chicago
2833 UH MC 102
601 S. Morgan
Chicago, IL 60607-7128
312-413-3350
pameares@uic.edu
Website: http://www.uic.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)

Yellow light: Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment 12-13

Sexual harassment is defined by law and includes requests for sexual favors, sexual advances or other sexual conduct when (1) submission is either explicitly or implicitly a condition affecting academic or employment decisions; (2) the behavior is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to create an intimidating, hostile or repugnant environment; or (3) the behavior persists despite objection by the person to whom the conduct is directed. The University considers such behavior, whether physical or verbal, to be a breach of its standards of conduct.
View full policy (PDF, 178 KB).

Yellow light: Student Disciplinary Policy: Violation of the Rights of Any Person 12-13

Including, but not limited to actions which are considered hazing, unlawful harassment, stalking, or coercion; actions that may cause mental or bodily harm to another person(s) or oneself; conduct that threatens or endangers the safety of others or constitutes physical or psychological abuse or intimidation; or any other inappropriate or disruptive behavior that evidences poor adjustment to the university community.
View full policy (PDF, 894 KB).

Yellow light: Office of Access and Equity: Sexual Harassment in Higher Education 12-13

Following are examples of sexual harassment in higher education: 1) a professor who continually makes jokes of a sexual nature in the classroom ....
View full policy (PDF, 285 KB).

Red light: Resident Student Handbook: Harassment 12-13

Examples of conduct that may constitute or support a finding of harassment in
violation of this policy include, but are not limited to, the following types of
behavior: ... * Display of offensive material or objects ... * Innuendo or other suggestive, offensive or derogatory comments or
jokes about sex, gender-specific traits, race or ethnicity
Hazing, physical or emotional harassment, or behavior which other persons find intimidating, abusive, or offensive to residents or staff, will not be tolerated in a residence hall community and will result in disciplinary action.
Residents may not post notices or signs in public areas, in windows facing a public area or on doors which may be offensive to either other members of the community or to members of the public. It will be the responsibility of the residence life staff to uphold community standards and insist that residents not deliberately risk offending others by such postings. Cases of deliberate disregard of this policy and of residents taking actions which offend community standards may be subject to disciplinary action.
View full policy (PDF, 120 KB).

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

Yellow light: Resident Student Handbook: Standards of Behavior 12-13

Behavior unbecoming of a UIC student includes, but is not limited to,
uncivilized language such as excessive swearing (particularly when directed
toward another person or office); conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or
indecent; breach of peace; or otherwise reflects poorly upon the UIC
community, is prohibited.
View full policy (PDF, 50 KB).

Yellow light: Resident Student Handbook: Community Environment, Mutual Respect and Individual Differences 12-13

We encourage acceptance and appreciation of people regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. Members of our residential community will be held accountable to this standard.
View full policy (PDF, 153 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Policy on Campus Demonstrations 12-13

Individuals and groups planning a demonstration should reserve a location with the Office of Meetings and Conferences and arrange a meeting with the Dean of Students to discuss the event and the anticipated activities so that the University can take measures to prepare for the demonstration and assure public safety, including Campus Police coverage if necessary.
There are four (4) locations on campus that may be reserved for demonstrations: the Lecture Center Plaza, University Hall Plaza, Harrison Field, and Chicago Illini Union Plaza. Space should be reserved at least 48 hours in advance of the event.
View full policy (PDF, 348 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Resident Student Handbook: Posting/Publicity Policy 12-13

No offensive or sexually suggestive language, pictures, graphics or drawings may appear.
View full policy (PDF, 116 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Acceptable Use Policy 12-13

Use of electronic mail and other network communications facilities to harass, offend, or annoy other users of the network is forbidden. All users need to be aware that obscene, defamatory, or any other material which violates University policy on non-discrimination will not be tolerated at UIC. The University reserves the right to take whatever action it sees as appropriate to prevent, correct, or discipline behavior that violates this policy.
View full policy (PDF, 85 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Handbook: Policy on Campus Demonstrations 12-13

The University of Illinois at Chicago, in its role as an academic institution, is committed to an environment in which a variety of ideas can be reasonably proposed and critically examined. The existence of the free exchange of ideas and the expression of dissent within the University community are indications of intellectual vitality and social awareness.
View full policy (PDF, 348 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in September 2012. 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.