Red Light School

Clark 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: Private
Federal Circuit: First Circuit
Head of Institution: President David P Angel
Clark University
950 Main St.
Worcester, MA 01610
508-793-7320
presidentsoffice@clarku.edu
Website: http://www.clarku.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: Human Resources: Sexual Harassment Policy Statement 12-13

[I]t is the effect of behavior, as defined by the "reasonable person standard", not the intent of the person who did the behavior, that determines sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advance or request for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's employment or academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working, living, or educational environment.
Examples of the kinds of conduct that may be considered inappropriate behavior, sexual misconduct, or sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

* Unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations and solicitations;
* Unwelcome verbal expressions of a sexual nature, including graphic commentaries about a person's body, dress, appearance, or sexual activities;
* Unwelcome inappropriate contact such as patting, tickling or brushing up against a person;
* Demands or requests for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt promises or threats concerning an individual's academic or employment status;
* The creation of a hostile environment by the display or exposure of literature, materials, or actions perceived to be sexual in nature (e.g. pin-up calendars, offensive joke telling, etc.).

These actions in and of themselves are not always considered sexual harassment, but when performed repeatedly, or in a manner designed to humiliate or intimidate another, can be found to meet the definition.
View full policy (PDF, 99 KB).

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

Harassment includes conduct that has the intent or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person's life in the Clark community. Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to the following: intimidation, threats, stalking, slurs, derogatory graffiti, internet posting or any conduct which endangers the health, safety or well-being of an individual or group.
View full policy (PDF, 251 KB).

Red light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Conduct- Sexual Harassment 12-13

Sexual harassment consists of any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This includes: submission to, or rejection of, such conduct that is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of employment or participation in an education program; submission to, or rejection of, such conduct that is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting a student; such conduct that has the purpose or effect of interfering with a student's work or academic performance; or such conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work or academic environment.
View full policy (PDF, 251 KB).

Policies on Bias and Hate Speech

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Code of Student Conduct- Hate Incidents 12-13

Hate incidents include any act or attempted act by any person against another person, group, or property that has the intent of hostility towards the victim. Hate incidents may be based on a person's race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, ethnicity or social/political affiliation. Examples of hate incidents may include, but are not limited to the following: threats, physical assaults, or vandalism, including destruction of religious symbols.
View full policy (PDF, 251 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Handbook: Code of Student Conduct- Disruption 12-13

It is also a violation to deprive
anyone who is exhibiting freedom of expression
the opportunity to speak or be heard, to physically
obstruct their movement, or to otherwise interfere
with academic freedom.
View full policy (PDF, 251 KB).

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

Clark University students have the rights to express their ideas, thoughts and opinions, both individually and in manners of forum or protest, without fear of censure or retribution from members of the Clark University community.
View full policy (PDF, 251 KB).

Green light policy: Appropriate Use of Clark's Information Technology System 12-13

The University cherishes the diversity of values and perspectives that are part an academic institution and so is respectful of freedom of thought, inquiry and expression. Users are free from censorship in expressing their views through electronic communications facilities (including, but not limited to, e-mail and "chat" programs) as long as their views are not represented as the views of Clark University.
It is important that users recognize that such open access carries some risk of access to information that might be considered offensive or unorthodox.
View full policy (PDF, 299 KB).

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