Red Light School

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 Aubrey K Lucas
University of Southern Mississippi
101 ADM
Box 5001
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
601-266-5001
President@usm.edu
Website: http://www.usm.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)

Green light: Faculty Handbook: Harassment 12-13

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, 477 KB).

Green light: Faculty Handbook: Harassment 12-13

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.
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.
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.
View full policy (PDF, 477 KB).

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

Red light: Residence Life Handbook: Community Living- Language Issues 12-13

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, 849 KB).

Yellow light: Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities - Prohibited Conduct 12-13

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, 34 KB).

Policies Restricting Freedom of Conscience (Learn More)

Yellow light: Student Handbook: The Creed at Southern Miss 12-13

I will exhibit behavior and choose
language that demonstrates respect for
fellow members of the Southern Miss
community.
I commit to exhibiting civil behavior,
demonstrating responsible citizenry, and
doing my part to achieve a positive and
secure living and learning environment
for all.
I will appreciate the value of differences
among people, customs and view points
and oppose hatred, bigotry and bias
toward others.
View full policy (PDF, 34 KB).

Red light: Residence Life Handbook: Southern Miss Standard 12-13

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, 806 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Red light: Free Speech, Demonstration and Protest 12-13

Any speaker may be denied or asked to leave if the proposed speech would
constitute an immediate and serious danger to the institution's orderly operation by
the speaker's incitement of such actions by: ... Lewd, malicious, offensive or inappropriate behavior or language.
The University of Southern Mississippi will provide a speaker's corner on
Weathersby Lawn. 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, 69 KB).

Internet Usage Policies

Green light: Acceptable Use Policy 12-13

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, 149 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 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.