Eastern Kentucky 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: Sixth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Doug Whitlock
Eastern Kentucky University
521 Lancaster Avenue
CPO 1A
Richmond, KY 40475
859-622-2194
Website: http://www.eku.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 11-12

Generally, hostile environment sexual harassment may be described as unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that a reasonable person would find unwelcome or unwanted and that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to adversely affect the working or learning environment.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
...
Such conduct has the result of unreasonably interfering with an individual's educational or work performance, or creating an intimidating or offensive educational or working environment.
View full policy (PDF, 139 KB).

Student Handbook: General Regulations Concerning Student Behavior- Offenses 11-12

OFFENSES
...
Engaging in a course of conduct which is intended to harass, seriously annoy or alarm another person.
View full policy (PDF, 26 KB).

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

Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities: The Basis for Standards in the University Community 11-12

Certain fundamental concepts are recognized as forming the basis for standards of conduct developed as a result of the University’s educational obligations: ... Each member of
the university community is expected to give consideration to the highest standards of conduct
and character. No one should either offend the wider community or infringe upon the rights and
privileges of others.
View full policy (PDF, 26 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Information Technology Services: Code of Ethics for Computing & Communications 11-12

The use of computers and their associated communication equipment to abuse, harass or offend others is forbidden. Displaying, publishing or distributing abusive, offensive and harassing materials through computer resources is no different than similar conduct carried out in person, by telephone or by mail, and violations through electronic media will subject the individual to the same University sanctions.
These are examples of improper uses of University computer resources.

a. Publishing (or "posting") obscene material in any electronic medium.

b. Displaying or storing files on university computers which are obscene or contain harassing or abusive messages, except where such uses are directly related to the individual's job or academic assignments.

c. Making obscene, abusive or harassing remarks (including racial, sexual or any other form of harassment) in any electronic forum, or sending or forwarding such messages to anyone.

d. Starting or extending email chain letters.
View full policy (PDF, 892 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Fundamental Rights of Students 11-12

Students are free to discuss, to express opinions and to hear expression of diverse
opinions.
As citizens, students enjoy the same freedoms as are guaranteed by the Constitutions of
the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky and have the same duties and
responsibilities, as do other citizens.
View full policy (PDF, 32 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 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.