Red Light School

Western 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 Gary A Ransdell
Western Kentucky University
Wetherby Administration Bldg. #135
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-745-4346
gary.ransdell@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.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)

Green light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Conduct- Harassment 12-13

Physical abuse, threatening comments, or intimidation of any person on University owned or controlled property or at University sponsored or supervised functions, or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any member of the University community or any other person or persons. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to stalking, cyber stalking, harassment, and retaliation as a result of complaints or alleged misconduct.
View full policy (PDF, 631 KB).

Green light: Student Handbook: Western Kentucky University Policy Against Sexual Harassment 12-13

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: ... such conduct is sufficiently severe and pervasive so as to alter the conditions of, or have the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with, an individual's work or academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.
View full policy (PDF, 404 KB).

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

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Policies and Guidelines Regarding Student Organizations 12-13

Offenses as defined are punishable when committed by student organizations. ... Organizing, sponsoring, implementing or conducting programs or activities which are disorderly, which are violations of law or University regulations, or which contain lewd, indecent or obscene conduct or expression.
View full policy (PDF, 204 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities 12-13

The right of respect for personal feelings, freedom from indignity, and to expect an education of the highest quality.
View full policy (PDF, 304 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Conduct- Unruly Conduct 12-13

Disorderly or lewd, any words or acts that result in physical altercation, fighting and indecent or obscene conduct or expression that cause physical injury or threaten himself/herself or others, or interferes with any individual’s rightful act.
View full policy (PDF, 631 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

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

As a member of this community, I have both a personal and shared responsibility to participate actively in university life by: ... * Seeking unity by respecting the dignity of all persons; * Celebrating and embracing diversity ....
View full policy (PDF, 349 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Green light: Student Handbook: Regulations Governing Time, Place and Manner of Meetings, Assemblies or Demonstrations 12-13

Planned or spontaneous meetings, assemblies
or demonstrations may be conducted by
members of the University community in those
appropriate areas of the campus which are
regularly available to the University community ....
View full policy (PDF, 479 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Student Handbook: Computing Ethics Policy 12-13

Examples of inappropriate conduct include, but are not limited to: ... Transmitting statements, language, images or other materials that are reasonably likely to be perceived as offensive or disparaging of others based on race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious or political beliefs. ... Soliciting money for religious or political causes, or advocating religious or political opinions.
View full policy (PDF, 136 KB).

NOTE: You must have Adobe Acrobat installed to view policies in PDF format.

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.