Red Light School

University of Illinois at Springfield

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 Susan J Koch
University of Illinois at Springfield
Office of the President
One University Plaza
PAC 556
Springfield, IL 62703
217-206-6634
Website: http://www.uis.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)

Green light: Student Disciplinary Code 12-13

The following categories of conduct are specifically prohibited and may form the basis for disciplinary action:

A. Violence, the threat of violence, harassment, or intimidation directed against another person or persons.
View full policy (PDF, 520 KB).

Red light: UIS Sexual Harassment Policy 12-13

Under this policy, sexual harassment also includes "unsolicited, deliberate, or repeated sexually explicit derogatory statements, gestures or physical contacts which are objectionable to the recipient and which cause discomfort or humiliation," when such conduct is perpetrated by students upon other students, faculty, and/or staff.
Sexual harassment:

must be of a sexual nature;
must be perceived as unwelcome or unwanted;
must be persistent or pervasive, though unwelcome
can be quid pro quo, something in exchange for something
may be an element of discrimination based on sex; demeaning or diminishing bsaed on sex or gender
It may consist of conduct which is verbal and/or physical. Examples of verbal harassment include sexual innuendoes, sexual remarks about one's clothing or body, suggestive or insulting sounds, whistling in a suggestive manner, and implied or overt sexual propositions, invitations, or pressure for sex.
View full policy (PDF, 379 KB).

Yellow light: Guide to Residential Living: Harassment and Stalking 12-13

Harassment is defined as actions that create an intimidating, hostile or offensive
environment for another individual in both a virtual and actual setting.
View full policy (PDF, 83 KB).

Red light: Guide to Residential Living: Verbal Abuse 12-13

Use of language that is perceived to be abusive, discriminatory or intimidating is considered
verbal abuse. Students can be held accountable for verbal abuse communicated through
forms of oral, written, telephone, or electronic (including email and social media), etc. It is
expected that all members of the Res Life Community refrain from abusive language in their
interactions with residents, guests, and all University employees in all forms of
communication.
View full policy (PDF, 98 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: Registered Student Organizations Handbook: Student Organization Policies- Demonstrations/Rallies 12-13

All demonstrations or peaceful assemblies must be registered with the Office of Student Life at least 48 hours in advance. Standard space reservation procedures must be followed for the use of any University space. Demonstrations or peaceful assemblies are generally defined as any public manifestation of welcome, approval, disapproval, protest, or conscience by a student or groups of students.
View full policy (PDF, 141 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Guide to Residential Living: Holiday Decorating 12-13

The Office of Residence
Life reserves the right to remove any unsafe or offensive decorations, and will charge
residents for damages resulting from improperly displayed decorations.
View full policy (PDF, 172 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Yellow light: Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources 12-13

All users must refrain from the following activities: ... Using computing facilities to send obscene, abusive, threatening, defamatory, or harassing messages.
View full policy (PDF, 358 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Yellow light: Guide to Residential Living: Inappropriate Behavior 12-13

Campus residents are expected to respect the rights and property of others. Consequently,
behavior or any actions that damage property or disturb others will be considered
inappropriate in the Res Life Community. Residents will be held judicially accountable for
any behavior(s) deemed inappropriate by Residence Life Administration.
View full policy (PDF, 172 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Grievances Policies 12-13

University of Illinois at Springfield exists for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general improvement of society. The Campus community has a responsibility to provide for its members those privileges, opportunities, and protections that best promote the pursuit of these goals. Free inquiry, free expression, and free association are indispensable to this effort. As members of the academic community, students should be encouraged to develop a capacity for critical thinking and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth.
View full policy (PDF, 520 KB).

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