Red Light School

Central Michigan 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: Public
Federal Circuit: Sixth Circuit
Head of Institution: President George E Ross
Central Michigan University
Office of the President
Central Michigan University
Warriner Hall
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
989-774-3131
president@cmich.edu
Website: http://www.cmich.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)

Red light: Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity: Sexual Harassment Brochure 12-13

Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention or
communication of any kind.
View full policy (PDF, 225 KB).

Green light: Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity: Definitions of Sexual Harassment 12-13

Discrimination because of sex includes sexual harassment which means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
... (iii) Such conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's employment, public accommodations or public services, education, or housing, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, public accommodations, public services, education, or housing environment.
View full policy (PDF, 84 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: Computing and Network Resources Policy 12-13

UNACCEPTABLE USES: ... Using foul or obscene language, posting obnoxious or inappropriate announcements, or making defamatory statements.
View full policy (PDF, 395 KB).

Policies on Bias and Hate Speech

Red light: Bias Incident Response Team 12-13

Bias incidents take many forms-- words, signs, symbols, threats or actions --in electronic or real-time. They include intimidation, vandalism, destruction of property, harassment, and expressions of hate or hostility.
Anytime anyone in the CMU community feels belittled, disrespected, threatened, or unsafe because of who they are, the entire university community is diminished. That’s why it’s important to report all bias incidents -- even those intended as jokes. If you have observed or experienced a bias incident, it should be reported as soon as possible.
View full policy (PDF, 103 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures: Student Rights 12-13

Students have the right to free inquiry, expression, and association.
As citizens, students have the same duties and obligations as do other citizens and enjoy the same freedoms of speech, press, religion, peaceful assembly, and petition that other citizens enjoy. In all of its dealings with students, the University will respect the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitutions and laws of the United States and the State of Michigan.
View full policy (PDF, 185 KB).

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