University of Southern Mississippi

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: Fifth Circuit
Head of Institution: President Martha D Saunders
University of Southern Mississippi
101 ADM
Box 5001
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
601-266-5001
Martha.Saunders@usm.edu
Website: http://www.usm.edu

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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 Counseling Services: Self-Help Resources- Sexual Harassment 10-11

Sexual harassment is unwanted, unwelcome attention directed toward a person’s sexuality or sexual identity. It interferes with her or his his opportunity for education. Sometimes no sexual harassment is intended. But it is the impact of the behavior that is most important.
Hostile Environment Harassment is the most common kind of harassment. It occurs when repeated offensive behavior or comments create an unpleasant or intimidating environment and unreasonably interfere with someone receiving an education or being able to do a job. Hostile environment harassment may also involve sexual comments or inappropriate touching on a one-time basis.
View full policy (PDF, 78 KB).

Faculty Handbook: Harassment 10-11

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, employees, students, and student-
employees with respect to activities occurring on any University property and University-related
activities occurring off-campus, including University programs outside the United States.
Harassment is defined as conduct, based upon a person's
race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status, that
has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance or creating an intimidating or hostile environment for employment, education, on-
campus living, or participation in a University activity.
View full policy (PDF, 34 KB).

Faculty Handbook: Harassment 10-11

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and other visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual
nature when: ... the conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s academic or work performance or creating an intimidating or hostile
environment for employment, education, on-campus living, or participation in a
University activity.
Conduct alleged to constitute harassment will be evaluated according to the objective standard of a reasonable person. Thus, conduct that might be objectionable to one person, but that is not severe or pervasive enough to create an objectively intimidating,
offensive, or hostile environment may not constitute sexual harassment.
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, employees, students, and student employees
with respect to activities occurring on any University property and University-related
activities occurring off-campus, including University programs outside the United States.
Types of behavior that may be considered as evidence of sexual harassment include, but
are not limited to:
* Direct propositions of a sexual nature.
* Subtle pressure for sexual activity.
* Unnecessary or unwelcome physical contact.
* Physical interference with work or academics.
* Remarks of a sexual nature about a person's clothing or body.
* Remarks relating to sexual activity or concerning previous sexual experience.
* Obscene or harassing messages sent via computer or left on an answering
machine or voice mail.
* A pattern of sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes, or anecdotes, whether
made orally, in writing, or through electronic media.
* A display of graphic sexual material (not legitimately related to the subject matter
of a course) in a context where others are not free to avoid the display.
View full policy (PDF, 34 KB).

Student Handbook: Sexual Harassment Policy 10-11

It is the policy of the university that no member of its community shall sexually harass another.
View full policy (PDF, 34 KB).

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

Residence Life Handbook: Community Living- Language Issues 10-11

Freedom of speech does not absolve a student of the responsibility to respect other individuals. Therefore, disruptive profanity, statements of intolerance or verbal intimidation will not be supported and will be subject to disciplinary action.All residents will be
expected to maintain a sense of civility toward each
other and the staff. Hate speech will not be tolerated
and will be subject to judicial action.
View full policy (PDF, 224 KB).

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

Lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct, including expression of profanity, which exceeds the normal standards of decency prevailing in the general Hattiesburg community at large.
View full policy (PDF, 42 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Residence Life Handbook: Southern Miss Standard 10-11

Choosing to
join the Southern Miss community obligates each member to support
these precepts ... A respect for language that is appropriate, never obscene, and
neither demeans nor intimidates.
View full policy (PDF, 299 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Union and Programs Department: Speaker Policy 10-11

1. The University of Southern Mississippi will provide a speaker's corner on the Union Plaza, located at the south end of the R.C. Cook University Union (due to construction, a temporary location will be determined by the Student Activities office). Individuals or organizations may utilize the speaker's corner for speech purposes on a first-come, first-served basis and without making reservations. However, no amplification equipment may be used and no structure(s) may be erected. The free expression of views and opinions either by individuals or by groups must not violate any rights of others, disrupt the normal function of the university, or violate any of the provisions specified in the University Code of Student Conduct.
View full policy (PDF, 11 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Acceptable Use Policy 10-11

The following activities are strictly prohibited, without exception: ... Using a Southern Miss computing asset to actively engage in procuring or transmitting material in violation of sexual harassment or hostile workplace laws in the user's local jurisdiction. ... Sending email messages, including "junk mail/SPAM" or other advertising material, to individuals who did not specifically request such material (email spam). ... Any form of harassment via email, telephone, or paging; whether through language, frequency, or size of messages.
View full policy (PDF, 80 KB).

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