Light School

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

When a private university states clearly that it holds a certain set of values above a commitment to freedom of speech, FIRE does not rate that university.

Public or Private: Private
Federal Circuit: First Circuit
Head of Institution: President Dennis D Berkey
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Office of the President
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609
508-831-5200
president@wpi.edu
Website: http://www.wpi.edu

« Return to School Overview

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)

light: Campus Code of Conduct: Equal Opportunity, Anti-Discrimination & Harassment and Sexual Harassment 12-13

Unlawful
discrimination or harassment consists of treating a person differently in any WPI program or activity based
on their race, sex, age, color, national origin, religion, genetic identity, disability, gender identity or
expression, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or any other
protected status. This includes, for example, the display or circulation of written or electronic materials or
pictures degrading to either gender or to racial, ethnic, or religious groups; and verbal abuse or insults directed at or made in the presence of members of a racial, ethnic, or minority group.
View full policy (PDF, 1209 KB).

light: Campus Code of Conduct: Equal Opportunity, Anti-Discrimination & Harassment and Sexual Harassment 12-13

Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment where ... such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive work environment.
While it is not possible to list all of the circumstances that may constitute sexual harassment, the following are examples of conduct that, depending on the circumstances, may rise to the level of sexual harassment:

* Unwelcome sexual advances -- whether or not they involve physical touching;
* Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct; gossip regarding one's sex life; comments on one's body; comments about one's sexual activity, deficiencies or prowess;
* Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons;
* Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments;
* Inquiries into one's sexual experiences;
* Discussion of one's sexual activities.
View full policy (PDF, 1209 KB).

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

light: Office of Residential Services: Community Standards for Living on Campus 12-13

Acts of intolerance, physical violence, and/or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
View full policy (PDF, 186 KB).

Posting Policies

light: Office of Residential Services: Community Standards for Living on Campus 12-13

The doors of student rooms may be decorated but are considered public areas. Such decorations may not damage door surfaces or create health/safety hazards. In addition, obscene or offensive materials are strictly prohibited.
View full policy (PDF, 186 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

light: Acceptable Use Policy 12-13

Use of any WPI system or service used for unethical or illegal activities is prohibited. Harassment, violations of privacy, inappropriate data use, and attacks using WPI technology are examples of such activities forbidden at WPI.
View full policy (PDF, 82 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

light policy: Campus Code of Conduct: Trustees' Statement on Student Responsibility and Conduct 12-13

Students enter WPI voluntarily. They apply, presumably, because they wish to further their education and because they believe WPI, with its traditions and reputation, is capable of advancing their intellectual attainments. Students come to learn, not to demand; to be guided, not to direct. If they do not like some of the rules, regulations, traditions, and policies of WPI, they do not have to enter. But let it be understood that having been accepted and having decided to enter, they are expected to abide by the laws of our nation and comply with rules and policies of WPI.
View full policy (PDF, 1209 KB).

light policy: Campus Code of Conduct 12-13

Without infringing upon any of the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed within the general American society, the WPI community recognizes that membership in this particular academic community is freely sought and freely granted by and to its members, and that within this membership group certain specific behaviors that may be accepted by society in general cannot be accepted within an academic community without hindering the explicit goals of that academic community.
View full policy (PDF, 1209 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 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.