Yellow Light School

Kentucky State University

Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. Read more here.

Public or Private: Public
Federal Circuit: Sixth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Mary E Sias
Kentucky State University
400 East Main Street
Hume Hall Suite 201
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-597-6260
msias@kysu.edu
Website: http://www.kysu.edu

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Do you have any information, updates, or changes regarding the policies at this institution? Let us know!

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: Student Handbook: Complaint and Grievance Procedures- Harassment 12-13

KSU is committed to maintaining the campus community as a place of work and study
for students, free of harassment, intimidation, and exploitation. The University does not
tolerate behavior that constitutes sexual or other unlawful harassment. Harassment in any
form, including verbal and physical conduct, visual displays, threats, demands and retaliation
is unlawful and will not be tolerated. It is University policy that any form of harassment on
the basis of sex, race, national origin, religion or other categories protected by law or other
forms of harassment of or abusive treatment not be tolerated at the Kentucky State
University.
View full policy (PDF, 46 KB).

Yellow light: University Police: Zero Tolerance Policies 12-13

In response to reported harassment, harassing communications, and bullying, Student Affairs will conduct an investigation. If parties are found guilty, they will go before Student Court and will adhere to the findings of the Court, which could include suspension or expulsion.
View full policy (PDF, 512 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Standards Governing Student Conduct- Offenses Against Persons 12-13

Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, sexual contact without permission, stalking, coercion and other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. This section is intended to include any contact or communication that threatens, harasses, or injures a person.
View full policy (PDF, 43 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Yellow light: Student Handbook: The Thorobred Creed 12-13

AS A TRUE THOROBRED ... I will respect
the dignity, rights and property of all persons;
...
I will discourage
bigotry, while striving to learn from
differences in people, ideas and opinions;
...
In thought, word and deed, I will support
excellence in the learning, growth and
development of others;
...
Allegiance to these ideals requires each Thorobred
to refrain from and discourage behaviors which threaten
the freedom and respect every individual deserves.
View full policy (PDF, 40 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Guidelines Governing Time, Place and Manner of Meetings, Demonstrations and Other Assemblies 12-13

Planned or spontaneous demonstrations, meetings, or assemblies may be conducted in those appropriate areas of the campus which are regularly available to the public, provided such demonstrations, meetings, or other assemblies meet the following conditions: They: ... d. Are conducted only with specific authorization from the Vice President for Student Affairs or other appropriate University official when held in University-owned or -leased facilities; and e. Are confined to the PWL Jones Practice Facility when conducted without specific authorization.
View full policy (PDF, 216 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Posters, Handbills, Notices 12-13

Organizations
distributing/posting publicity deemed inappropriate (ex. foul language, photos
unbecoming a classy male/female, etc) shall be held accountable and
disciplinary action will be taken.
View full policy (PDF, 42 KB).

Other Speech Codes

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Attire 12-13

Attire must not display obscene, profane, lewd, illegal or offensive images or words.
View full policy (PDF, 137 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities 12-13

The Board of Regents of Kentucky State University recognizes that an essential
element of higher education is the freedom of intellectual inquiry and expression, for free
inquiry and free-expression are indispensable to the attainment of the educational goals of
Kentucky State University.
View full policy (PDF, 44 KB).

Green light policy: Student Handbook: Guidelines Governing Time, Place and Manner of Meetings, Demonstrations and Other Assemblies 12-13

Kentucky State University recognizes and confirms the right of all members of the University community to free expression, assembly, and advocacy.
View full policy (PDF, 216 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.