Saint Louis University
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.
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)
Code of Student Conduct: Conduct Violations 12-13
Sexually explicit, graphic, abusive, degrading, intimidating, or offensive jokes, comments, remarks, or gestures.
Any unwelcome, unsolicited, and offensive conduct that tends to injure, degrade, disgrace, or show hostility toward a person because of because of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, veteran's status, pregnancy or any other characteristics protected by law.
View full policy (PDF, 619 KB).
Student Handbook: University Policies and Procedures- Harassment Policy 12-13
Saint Louis University is a Catholic Jesuit institution with a distinctive educational mission and philosophy emphasizing Christian humanism, human dignity, and the development of the total human being. These core values are manifested in the Universitys commitment to foster a workplace and learning environment that is free from any form of harassment because of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, veterans status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
For purposes of this policy, harassment means any intentional unwelcomed, unsolicited, and offensive conduct that tends to injure, degrade, disgrace, or show hostility toward a person because of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. For purposes of applying this policy, sexual harassment includes conduct that is of a sexual nature or related to a persons gender and may include persons of the same sex.
Harassment is a violation of this policy in any of the following situations:
...
(3) If the harassing behavior in question interferes with a persons work or academic performance, has the purpose or effect of interfering with a persons status or participation in a university course, program, or activity, is used as a basis for educational or employment decisions, or has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment.
View full policy (PDF, 962 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Code of Student Conduct: Statement of Rights and Responsibilities 12-13
Students will not engage in any abusive or threatening speech or communications, whether
verbally, written, or electronic speech. When conflict and difference of opinion arise, students will
address one another, as well as all other members of the University honestly and respectfully.
View full policy (PDF, 619 KB).
Posting Policies
Housing & Residence Life Handbook: Advertising 12-13
Fliers promoting political candidates and/or
causes, with the exception of campus elections, will not be permitted unless they are promoting
University-sponsored programs/speakers. All political activity (excluding campus elections) on campus
must be pre-approved by the Student Involvement Center.
Postings that are degrading, considered in poor taste, advertise alcohol or contrary
to the University Mission will not be permitted.
View full policy (PDF, 61 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Saint Louis University Information Technology Appropriate Use Policy 12-13
Use in violation of other University policies or use that is inconsistent with the University's Jesuit, Catholic mission and ideals also violates this Policy. Such other University policies include, but are not limited to, those regarding sexual harassment and racial and ethnic harassment, conduct codes of the various schools and colleges, and specific University departmental and work-unit policies and guidelines regarding incidental personal use of IT Systems.
View full policy (PDF, 496 KB).
Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
University Policies and Procedures: Hate Crime and Bias-Related Incident Protocol 12-13
Examples of bias-related incidents include epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.
View full policy (PDF, 962 KB).
Other Speech Codes
Student Organization Policies: Performance, Presentation and Speaker (Program) Policy 12-13
Examples of programs that the University would not approve would include those deemed to encourage, celebrate or glorify hatred, violence, abusive behavior, religious intolerance, irresponsible or illicit drug and alcohol use, and the objectification of human beings.
While Saint Louis University acknowledges a student's individual right to express and explain his or her own beliefs, by virtue of its Catholic, Jesuit character, the time, place and manner of exercising speech on campus for events planned by students and recognized student organizations is subject to policies and procedures adopted by the University. As such, the University reserves the right to review programs proposed by students and recognized student organizations, including those which are funded in full or in part by University sources (e.g., student activity fee). It also reserves the right to reject or alter programs that the University deems to be inconsistent with its values and mission.
While acknowledging there may be approved programs which include critiques of Catholic teaching and/or of Saint Louis University, the University does not knowingly make available its facilities to individuals, organizations or businesses, whose activities will deride, mock or ridicule the Roman Catholic Church or the University's mission and values.
View full policy (PDF, 432 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Code of Student Conduct: Statement of Rights and Responsibilities 12-13
The University recognizes each student's right to free speech, association and the free exercise of religion in the context of our Jesuit, Catholic mission, values, and ideals.
View full policy (PDF, 619 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.
