Red Light School

Wellesley 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 Kim Bottomly
Wellesley College
Green Hall Room 350
106 Central Street
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
781-283-2237
kbottomly@wellesley.edu
Website: http://www.wellesley.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: Policy Against Sexual Harassment and Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation 12-13

Depending upon the circumstances and how they impact the workplace or academic environment, examples of unlawful discrimination could include the above-referenced examples concerning sexual harassment, as well as the following types of conduct: ... Verbal abuse, offensive innuendo or derogatory words, concerning a person’s race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, veterans’ status, or any other protected status ....
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: ... Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work, academic performance, education, or participation in College programs or activities, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, work or academic environment.
Depending upon the circumstances and how they impact the workplace or academic environment, examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to such conduct as the following: verbal abuse, insults, jokes, comments or innuendo of a sexual nature that include lewd, obscene or sexually suggestive displays or remarks ....
View full policy (PDF, 639 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Yellow light: Wellesley College Honor Code 12-13

As a Wellesley College student, I will act with honesty, integrity, and respect. In making this commitment, I am accountable to the community and dedicate myself to a life of honor.
View full policy (PDF, 434 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Policy Governing the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources 12-13

Users are prohibited from using information technology resources in a manner that is construed by another as hateful, threatening or harassing, or that otherwise might contribute to the creation of a hostile academic or work environment.
View full policy (PDF, 207 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.