Red Light School

Colby College

A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.

Public or Private: Private
Federal Circuit: First Circuit
Head of Institution: President William D Adams
Colby College
President's Office
4605 Mayflower Hill Drive
Waterville, ME 04901-8846
207-859-4600
wadams@colby.edu
Website: http://www.colby.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: Definition of Harassment 12-13

The following are provided as examples of the kinds of actions that may constitute harassment under College policy:

* Hostile, intimidating remarks spoken or written (including jokes) or physical gestures directed at a person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability. ... Any unwanted attention of a sexual nature (e.g., physical contact, written or verbal comments, lewd or suggestive looks and/or gestures)....
View full policy (PDF, 104 KB).

Red light: Student Handbook: Harassment Policy 12-13

Harassment is defined as unwelcome hostile or intimidating remarks, spoken or written (including, for example, e-mail, text messages, postings on electronic message boards, voicemail messages), or physical gestures directed at a specific person based on that person’s race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, parental status, marital status, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity.
View full policy (PDF, 261 KB).

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

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Other College Policies- Free Speech 12-13

The right of free speech--which does not include a right to harass, injure, or silence others--is essential in an academic community and will be vigorously upheld.
View full policy (PDF, 69 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Other College Policies- Chalking 12-13

Hate speech and/or messages that harass, as well as messages that can be construed as threats of emotional or physical harm toward an individual or group are not permitted.
View full policy (PDF, 70 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Handbook: Harassment Policy 12-13

The right of free speech and the open exchange of ideas and views are essential, especially in a learning environment, and Colby College vigorously upholds these freedoms.
View full policy (PDF, 261 KB).

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