Westfield 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: First Circuit
Head of Institution: President Evan S Dobelle
Westfield State University
President's Office, Westfield State University
PO Box 1630
Westfield, MA 01086
413-572-5200
edobelle@wsc.ma.edu
Website: http://www.wsc.ma.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)

Student Handbook: Student Life Policies- Anti-Bullying, Mobbing, and Harassment Policy 10-11

Bullying consists of abusive conduct relative to acts, omissions, or both, that a reasonable person would find hostile, based on the severity, nature, and frequency of the conduct and without regard to the method of delivery, such as verbal, written or electronic. Abusive conduct may include, but is not limited to: repeated infliction of verbal abuse, such as the use of derogatory remarks, insults, and epithets; verbal or physical conduct of a threatening, intimidating, or humiliating nature; the sabotage or undermining of an individual’s work performance; or attempts to exploit an individual’s known psychological or physical vulnerability.�  A single act normally will not constitute abusive conduct, but an especially severe and egregious act may meet the standard.
View full policy (PDF, 121 KB).

Student Handbook: Student Life Policies- Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 10-11

Examples of discrimination on the basis of a person's gender or sexual orientation, all of which are prohibited by this policy include but are not limited to: ... Harassing or abusing, or encouraging others to harass or abuse, a person or group of persons because of their gender or sexual orientation, whenever such harassment or abuse constitutes harassment by personal vilification.
This policy proscribes all acts, including acts of omission, that have the effect of denying to any person equality of right, entitlement, benefit or opportunity by reason of such person's gender or sexual orientation including all forms of verbal harassment or abuse based on gender or sexual orientation, and all actions or omissions which deny or have the effect of denying any person her/his rights to equality, dignity or opportunity because of her/his gender or sexual orientation. This prohibition encompasses harassment by personal vilification.
View full policy (PDF, 157 KB).

Student Handbook: Student Life Policies- Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 10-11

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome verbal, non-verbal and/or physical behavior of a sexual nature which has the effect of interfering with student, employment, academic or other status, or of creating a sexually intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

... such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or creating a sexually intimidating, hostile or offensive employment, educational or living environment.
Examples of sexual harassment may include, but are not limited to:
a. verbal harassment, or abuse,

b. subtle pressure for sexual activity,

c. sexual remarks about an individual's or group's clothing, body or sexual activities,

d. unnecessary touching, patting or pinching,

e. demands for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats or offers concerning one's job, grades, letter of recommendation, etc.,

f. physical sexual assault.
View full policy (PDF, 157 KB).

Student Handbook: Rights and Responsibilities- Student Conduct Regulations 10-11

The following regulations demonstrate conduct that is prohibited and will subject offenders to disciplinary action.
...
Harassing, intimidating, or stalking any member of the College community, visitor or guest. This includes repeated verbal or physical annoyances, or threats committed by any means such as orally, electronically, or in writing.
View full policy (PDF, 125 KB).

Posting Policies

Student Handbook: Student Life Policies- Residence Hall Policy 10-11

Individuals and groups wishing to advertise events or services that may be of interest to on campus residents should contact the Office of Residential Life for permission. The Director of Residential Life (or designee) reserves the right to refuse permission to advertise for those events or services that promote the use of alcohol or are insensitive to members of the campus community. Approved items will then be posted in the halls by the Residential Life staff in appropriate areas.
View full policy (PDF, 195 KB).

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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in June 2011. 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.