University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
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: | Sixth Circuit | |
| Head of Institution: | President Mary Sue Coleman University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Office of the President 503 Thompson Street 2074 Fleming Administration Building Ann Arbor, MI 48109 734-764-6270 presoff@umich.edu | |
| Website: | http://www.umich.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)
Policies for Students: Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities 12-13
University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide 201.89: ... Some examples of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
Unwanted sexual statements, sexual or "dirty" jokes, comments on physical attributes, spreading
rumors about or rating others as to sexual activity or performance, talking about one’s sexual activity
in front of others, and displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures and/or written
material. Unwanted sexual statements can be made in person, in writing, electronically (email,
instant messaging, blogs, web pages, etc.), and otherwise.
Unwanted sexual statements, sexual or "dirty" jokes, comments on physical attributes, spreading
rumors about or rating others as to sexual activity or performance, talking about one’s sexual activity
in front of others, and displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures and/or written
material. Unwanted sexual statements can be made in person, in writing, electronically (email,
instant messaging, blogs, web pages, etc.), and otherwise.
University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide 201.89: ... Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct
of a sexual nature constitute harassment when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s employment or educational performance or creating an intimidating,
hostile, offensive, or abusive environment for that individual’s employment,
education, living environment, or participation in a University activity.
of a sexual nature constitute harassment when: ... such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s employment or educational performance or creating an intimidating,
hostile, offensive, or abusive environment for that individual’s employment,
education, living environment, or participation in a University activity.
The following behaviors, for example, contradict the values of the University community and are subject to action under this Statement. ... Sexually harassing another person as defined by the University's Standard Practice Guide 201.89.
University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide 201.89: ... An individual may engage in conduct of a sexual nature that may not be sufficiently severe,
persistent or pervasive to constitute sexual harassment as described below, but is nonetheless
inappropriate. Such conduct also will not be tolerated by the University, is prohibited by the University and is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.
View full policy (PDF, 365 KB). persistent or pervasive to constitute sexual harassment as described below, but is nonetheless
inappropriate. Such conduct also will not be tolerated by the University, is prohibited by the University and is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.
Internet Usage Policies
Policy and Guidelines Regarding Electronic Access to Potentially Offensive Material 12-13
Individuals should not be unwittingly exposed to offensive material by the deliberate
and knowing acts of others. The University is a community of individuals with diverse values, beliefs, and sensitivities. Individuals must be allowed to choose what they wish
to access for their own purposes.
View full policy (PDF, 146 KB). and knowing acts of others. The University is a community of individuals with diverse values, beliefs, and sensitivities. Individuals must be allowed to choose what they wish
to access for their own purposes.
Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
Expect Respect: Frequently Asked Questions 12-13
What are some examples of bias-related incidents?
Depending on the totality of the circumstances, writing a racial epithet in erasable marker on someone’s dry-erase board, making fun of another person because of his or her language or accent, or making insulting comments about someone’s traditional manner of dress or geographic origin are hypothetical examples of a bias-related incident.
Depending on the totality of the circumstances, writing a racial epithet in erasable marker on someone’s dry-erase board, making fun of another person because of his or her language or accent, or making insulting comments about someone’s traditional manner of dress or geographic origin are hypothetical examples of a bias-related incident.
How will the University respond when it learns of hate crimes or bias-related incidents?
The University is committed to act responsibly when it learns of incidents motivated by hate or bias. Such occurrences, if they constitute a criminal act such as assault or property damage, should be reported to the police and will be fully investigated. Other acts of intolerance may violate University policies or community standards. In those instances we will pursue a range of remedies that may include disciplinary action as well as community education and dialogue.
When you report a bias incident, University staff will help you determine the possible next steps, explain the relevant processes, and offer counseling and support or refer you to other offices that may provide support.
The University is committed to act responsibly when it learns of incidents motivated by hate or bias. Such occurrences, if they constitute a criminal act such as assault or property damage, should be reported to the police and will be fully investigated. Other acts of intolerance may violate University policies or community standards. In those instances we will pursue a range of remedies that may include disciplinary action as well as community education and dialogue.
When you report a bias incident, University staff will help you determine the possible next steps, explain the relevant processes, and offer counseling and support or refer you to other offices that may provide support.
Can individuals who engage in hateful speech be arrested or disciplined by the University?
It depends. The University takes seriously its responsibility to appropriately balance its core values of protecting individual freedoms (e.g., freedom of speech, artistic expression, freedom of association, academic freedom) and ensuring equal and fair treatment of all. These values may sometimes be in conflict. Various University offices are responsible for determining whether hateful speech violates the University’s non-discrimination and unlawful harassment policies. In so doing, the University is always mindful that academia is a unique place where the exchange of ideas, robust debate and artistic expression are critical to the University’s teaching and research missions.
View full policy (PDF, 232 KB). It depends. The University takes seriously its responsibility to appropriately balance its core values of protecting individual freedoms (e.g., freedom of speech, artistic expression, freedom of association, academic freedom) and ensuring equal and fair treatment of all. These values may sometimes be in conflict. Various University offices are responsible for determining whether hateful speech violates the University’s non-discrimination and unlawful harassment policies. In so doing, the University is always mindful that academia is a unique place where the exchange of ideas, robust debate and artistic expression are critical to the University’s teaching and research missions.
Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Policies for Students: Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities 12-13
Students at the University have the same rights and protections under the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Michigan as other citizens. These rights include freedom of expression, press, religion, and assembly. The University has a long tradition of student activism and values freedom of expression, which includes voicing unpopular views and dissent.
View full policy (PDF, 816 KB). Policies for Students: Statement on Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression 12-13
Expression of diverse points of view is of the highest importance, not only for those who espouse a cause or position and then defend it, but also for those who hear and pass judgment on that defense. The belief that an opinion is pernicious, false, or in any other way detestable cannot be grounds for its suppression.
Rude or offensive behavior, though inconsistent with the standards of civility that we hope would prevail on a university campus, sometimes fall within the legitimate exercise of freedom of speech and, when it does, may not be suppressed.
Because freedom of speech and expression play such a critical role in the functioning of a university, undue interference with the exercise of these freedoms by members of the University community may constitute grounds for resort to law or other formal action.
View full policy (PDF, 265 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 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.
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