Red Light School

University of Missouri - Columbia

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: Eighth Circuit
Head of Institution: Chancellor Brady J Deaton
University of Missouri - Columbia
Office of the Chancellor
105 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
573-882-3387
chancellor_office@missouri.edu
Website: http://www.missouri.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: M-Book: Sexual Harassment Policy 12-13

Sexual harassment is defined for this policy as ... Other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by a University employee or a member of the student body to a University employee or a member of the student body, when:

1. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used explicitly or implicitly as a condition for academic or employment decisions; or
2. The purpose or effect of such conduct is to interfere unreasonably with the work or academic performance of the person being harassed; or
3. The purpose or effect of such conduct to a reasonable person is to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
View full policy (PDF, 124 KB).

Red light: MU Equity: Resource Library- Sexual Harassment 12-13

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It consists of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

When the harassment rises to the level that it interferes with employment or with education, then it becomes illegal and also violates the University's policy. But even lesser levels of sexually harassing behaviors may be inconsistent with MU's commitment to a safe and inclusive work and learning environment.
Here are some examples of behaviors that may be sexually harassing:

* Leering or ogling
* Remarks of a sexual nature, such as comments about a person's clothing, appearance, or sexual experience
* Suggestive or insulting sounds
* Off-color jokes or obscene gestures
* Unnecessary touching, patting, hugging, or brushing against a person's body ....
View full policy (PDF, 185 KB).

Yellow light: M-Book: Standard of Conduct 12-13

Harassment by engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that serves no legitimate purpose that would cause a reasonable person under the circumstances to be frightened, intimidated, or emotionally distressed.
View full policy (PDF, 109 KB).

Red light: Tiger Guide: Emergencies, Health and Personal Safety- Harassment 12-13

Harassment is unwelcome contact with an
individual through electronic, verbal or written means
that threatens, intimidates, demeans and/or creates
a hostile environment.
View full policy (PDF, 39 KB).

Yellow light: Tiger Guide: Living in the Residence Halls- Harassment 12-13

Personal and academic enrichment must take place in an environment that respects the rights of others, even when individuals may have different views or beliefs. Actions that may not be intended to
threaten or degrade may nevertheless do so to another individual.
Harassment -- including cyber, sexual or verbal harassment, threatening messages, physical threats, intimidation or posting of harassing materials -- is not tolerated and will result in severe disciplinary action, including potential removal from the residence hall.
View full policy (PDF, 45 KB).

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

Yellow light: M-Book: Standard of Conduct 12-13

Disruptive or disorderly conduct or lewd, indecent or obscene conduct or expression.
View full policy (PDF, 111 KB).

Free Speech Zones

Yellow light: M-Book: Hosting Events on Campus 12-13

The application for use of
a facility must be submitted 48 hours in advance by the
President or Primary Contact of a recognized student
organization.
Speakers Circle has been designated as
an area where permits are not required.
View full policy (PDF, 400 KB).

Policies on Bias and Hate Speech

Yellow light: Bias Incident Report Form 12-13

If you have witnessed or experienced a bias incident that has occurred within the MU community, please use the form below to report the incident anonymously or with your name. A bias incident is an act of intolerance which is committed against any person, group or property and which discriminates, stereotypes, harasses or excludes anyone based on [their identity]. Any act of intolerance, such as graffiti, name-calling, threats, hate crimes or extreme examples of bias incidents - regardless of severity - can be reported using this form.
When submitting the report, you can specify whether you want the Equity Office to contact you to follow up on the incident. If you supply your name and contact information, this initiates the informal investigation process. If you want to act responsibly and report an incident but you don’t want to give your name, we will still investigate the incident when the facts warrant it.
View full policy (PDF, 295 KB).

Advertised Commitments to Free Expression

Green light policy: M-Book: Rights and Responsibilities 12-13

The University's goals are to provide an atmosphere
conducive to the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of
truth, the development of students, and the general well-
being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are
essential to attain these goals.
View full policy (PDF, 130 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 March 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.