Northern Arizona 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: Ninth Circuit
Head of Institution: President John D Haeger
Northern Arizona University
Office of the President
S. San Francisco Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
928-523-3232
John.Haeger@nau.edu
Website: http://www.nau.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)

Safe Working and Learning Environment Policy: Sexual Harassment 10-11

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work, education, or participation in Board or university activities or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Following are some examples of behavior that could constitute sexual harassment if proven to be unwelcome and, if by their severity, pervasiveness, or persistence create an environment that is, by the standard of a reasonable person, hostile and/or intimidating: * verbal - jokes, comments, requests, or questions of a sexual nature
* non-verbal - whistling, staring at body parts, blocking someone's entrance or exit from a space, gestures of a sexual nature
* physical - touching, patting, pinching, slapping, rubbing or any physical contact that is uninvited or offensive
* visual - photos, posters, calendars, jokes, cartoons, memos, letters, or notices of a sexual nature which are placed in or on university property, premises, vehicles or other work or study locations of the university
* electronic - telephone, facsimile or e-mail communication of a sexual nature that is unwelcome or offensive.
View full policy (PDF, 81 KB).

Safe Working and Learning Environment Policy: Discrimination 10-11

Harassment of an individual on the basis of that individual's actual or perceived race, sex, age, color, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation is also prohibited under this policy. Prohibited harassment includes, but is not limited to, stereotyping, negative comments or jokes, explicit threats, segregation, and verbal or physical assault when any of these are based upon a person's race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. When these harassing behaviors become severe, pervasive or persistent, they may also violate Federal and State law.
View full policy (PDF, 81 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Student Handbook: Statement Regarding Assembly 10-11

The Permit must be reviewed by a member of the Office of Student Life. Prior to approval, a Dean will meet with the individual(s) requesting the permit.
Prior to sponsoring a rally, demonstration, march or other group event, the organization representative must complete the appropriate Permit (which is available in the Office of Student Life, Room 105 of the University Union).
View full policy (PDF, 47 KB).

Posting Policies

Student Handbook: Rules and Regulations- Advertising/Information Distribution Policy 10-11

Advertisements, posters, flyers, etc. shall be in good taste and not depict portrayals that are demeaning or discriminatory to any individual or group(s) of persons.
View full policy (PDF, 91 KB).

Student Handbook: Residence Hall Conduct Handbook 10-11

[E]ach resident who chooses to express his or her creativity, via his or her window or door, assumes the responsibility for balancing his or her personal tastes with the image of the total community. Controversial or antagonistic materials may draw personal confrontations from others within the community who may be offended by the content. The following recommendation is offered to residents who choose to place signs or decorations on their windows or doors. Signs, posters and/or decorations should be appropriate for public viewing and in keeping with good taste.
View full policy (PDF, 128 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Network Acceptable Use Policy for Students 10-11

Misuse of computing resources includes, but is not limited to, the following:
...
Using University computer networking systems and resources for obscene purposes or in a pervasively profane manner, including but not limited to use which may bring into public disrepute the University's identity and image as a tolerant and serious institution of higher learning.
...
Using these resources in a manner, or with the intention, to inflict mental harassment, to intimidate, or to invade the privacy of any particular individual in a manner that is extreme or outrageous in the sense of being intolerable to reasonable members of a civilized society and which, in the case of other students, faculty, staff, administrators or members of the University, interferes with their ability to exercise their rights to participate fully in the purpose, mission, education, and life of the University.
...
Using these resources to threaten any particular individual with violence, to engage in that which naturally and directly tends to provoke acts of violence, or a breach of the peace by the person to whom, individually, the conduct or remarks are addressed.
View full policy (PDF, 73 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Student Handbook: Statement Regarding Assembly 10-11

The right to freedom of expression is protected by the First Amendment and is upheld by the Arizona Board of Regents and Northern Arizona University. Northern Arizona University supports the free expression of individual and group views on a variety of topics. The creation and maintenance of productive environments within which this expression and exchange of ideas can take place is an important mission for the university. While the issues and topics may vary and at times be controversial, it is the expectation of the university that members of the university community (students, faculty, staff, and guests) would respect the right of others to freely express their opinions, beliefs and views.
View full policy (PDF, 47 KB).

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