Red Light School

Western 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 John M Dunn
Western Michigan University
Office of the President
1903 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
269-387-2351
john.dunn@wmich.edu
Website: http://www.wmich.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 Code: Proscribed Conduct 12-13

Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment,
coercion and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health, well-being, or safety of any
person.
View full policy (PDF, 178 KB).

Red light: Student Code: Appendices- Western Michigan University Policy on Sexual Harassment 12-13

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual conduct which is related to any
condition of employment or evaluation of student performance. This definition is intended to include more
than overt advances toward actual sexual relations. It applies as well to repeated or unwarranted sex-related
statements, unwelcome touching, sexually explicit comments, and/or graphics.
Conduct will be defined as sexual harassment when any or all three of the following conditions exist:
1. The sex-related situations are unwelcome by the recipient.*
2. A specific or implied connection with employment or student status is involved.
3. The sexual harassment continues after the recipient has made it clear that the conduct is
unwelcome.*
View full policy (PDF, 267 KB).

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

Yellow light: Office of Student Conduct 12-13

Because of these values, all individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and civil manner in the University setting as well as in the community. Responsibility for fulfilling the obligations of the code of honor is shared by the students, faculty, and every other member of the University community.
View full policy (PDF, 343 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: RSO Handbook: Free Speech Area 12-13

As an open community, WMU protects freedom of expression and powerfully affirms civility. As such, all
members of the University community and all those who visit our community are expected to respect
the rights and dignity of others. In support of these principles and the marketplace of ideas, WMU has
established the flagpoles as an area for outdoor expression.
View full policy (PDF, 89 KB).

Yellow light: RSO Handbook: Outdoor Space Policy 12-13

Use of all outdoor space by requester must be registered with SALP 5 business days before an event or activity.
View full policy (PDF, 137 KB).

Yellow light: Student Code: Appendices- Posting/Distribution Policy 12-13

Students may not post or distribute literature on University premises except in designated areas and with appropriate University approval.
A student organization or member of a student organization may not place or distribute literature on University premises without proper authorization from the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Programs. All literature must comply with the guidelines determined by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Programs.
View full policy (PDF, 267 KB).

Posting Policies

Yellow light: RSO Handbook: Posting Policy 12-13

Organizations may post or distribute literature on University property. However, the University expects that poster and literature content will conform to established requirements and generally accepted standards of good taste.
View full policy (PDF, 151 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Red light: WMUnet Acceptable Use Policy 12-13

You are NOT Allowed to use your connection to: ... * Post or send obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit, or offensive material.
* Post or send material that is contrary to the mission or values of the University.
View full policy (PDF, 107 KB).

Yellow light: Student Code: Proscribed Conduct 12-13

Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages.
View full policy (PDF, 178 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: Student Code: Student Rights 12-13

Students have the right to free inquiry, expression, and association.
View full policy (PDF, 56 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 February 2013. 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.