University of Nevada, Las Vegas
A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.
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)
Student Conduct Code: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Student Responsibilities 12-13
Threatening, assaulting, or causing physical harm to oneself or to another. Uttering any
words or performing any acts that cause physical injury, or threaten any individual, or
interfere with any individual’s rightful actions, including but not limited to the
following:
1. words or actions that would cause an individual to fear for his or her immediate
safety.
2. the use of physical force against an individual.
3. repeatedly contacting another person when the contact is unwanted.
View full policy (PDF, 1876 KB).
Sexual Harassment Policy 12-13
Examples of unwelcome conduct of a sexual or gender related nature that may constitute sexual harassment may, but do not necessarily, include, and are not limited to: ... Sexually explicit or gender related statements, comments, questions, jokes, innuendoes, anecdotes, or gestures; ... Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, magazines, cartoons, or screen savers ....
Under this policy, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or gender bias nature constitute sexual harassment when:
... The conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or work performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment in which to work or learn.
View full policy (PDF, 339 KB).
Student Conduct Code: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Student Responsibilities 12-13
Harassment, which is any verbal, visual, electronic, or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, and/or ongoing that it adversely affects, or has the purpose or logical consequence of interfering with any student's educational program; or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment within the University community. Harassment can include, but is not limited to, the above behaviors towards any person
because of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation/identity, age, creed,
national origin, disability, veteran status, or on any other basis.
View full policy (PDF, 1876 KB).
Student Conduct Code: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Student Responsibilities 12-13
Sexually harassing any person, male or female, by making one or more unwelcome sex-related comments or sexual overtures, engaging in other similar physical behaviors, or displaying offensive visual materials which interfere with, or are intended to interfere with another person's work or study. Even one incident, if it is sufficiently serious, may constitute sexual harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 1876 KB).
Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Statement on Diversity in the University Community 12-13
[T]he university ... will not tolerate any harassment of or disrespect for persons because of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or political affiliation.
View full policy (PDF, 100 KB).
Free Speech Zones
Guidelines for Scheduling University Facilities: Expressive Activity 12-13
It is the policy of this University not to interfere with an individual's right to free speech as expressed in the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nevada. However, it is also the policy of the university to provide a suitable environment for its faculty, staff, and students to study, conduct research, and perform their other activities without undue interference or disturbance. Therefore, the University has designated certain areas for these activities and will require any and all individuals, without regard to the content of their activities, to confine such activities to these areas. These areas include the Academic Mall from the sidewalk immediately north of the Alumni Amphitheater to the foot of the steps at the Performing Arts Center plaza; the East-West Mall from the east sidewalk of the Academic Mall to the eastern edge of the McDermott Physical Education Building plaza; the Alumni Walk from the Lied Library to the south end of the walk where it empties into the Thomas and Mack Center parking lot. Not included are the Dickinson Plaza at the Lied Library and the interior courtyard (above the steps connecting the courtyard to the Alumni Walk) of the Classroom Building Complex. ... Any individual observed on the University grounds conducting expressive activities in an undesignated area will be approached by a university employee and will be courteously asked to move to one of the designated areas to continue their activities.
View full policy (PDF, 1335 KB).
Internet Usage Policies
Office of Information Technology: Student Computer Use Policy 12-13
Inappropriate use would include but is not limited to: ... Using a computer to harass, send offensive messages, or knowingly cause a computer or system crash.
View full policy (PDF, 88 KB).
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Student Conduct Code: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Student Rights 12-13
As members of the University community, students can reasonably expect all the guarantees and protections afforded students of public institutions by the United States and Nevada Constitutions, including: ... The right to engage in inquiry and discussion, to exchange thought and opinion, and to speak, write, and print freely on any subject in accordance with the guarantees of federal and state laws.
View full policy (PDF, 1876 KB).
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The speech codes and policies above were last fully checked via internet and other research means by FIRE in January 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.
