Bemidji State University
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 Handbook: Harassment & Discrimination 12-13
Discriminatory harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual because of his her protected class, and that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work or educational environment.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated conduct, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: ... Such conduct has the purpose and effect of threatening an individual's employment; interfering with an individual's work or academic performance; or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
View full policy (PDF, 162 KB). 
Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct 12-13
Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, or harassment of a person including but not limited to stalking, defamation, intimidation or harassment through other persons, or use of electronic or other communication devices such as video, computers or telephones.
View full policy (PDF, 155 KB). Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility (Learn More)
Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct 12-13
[E]ngaging in any offensive, obscene or abusive language, or in boisterous or noisy conduct reasonably tending to arouse alarm, resentment, or anger in others on University-owned or controlled property or at University sponsored or supervised activities.
View full policy (PDF, 155 KB). Student Handbook: Student Code of Conduct 12-13
Statement of Responsible Behavior. ... Students will speak and listen to others with care, seeking personal understanding and maintaining respect and civility. ... Behaviors that violate these responsibilities and may result in Student Conduct action are contained within the following Student Code of Conduct ....
View full policy (PDF, 155 KB). Free Speech Zones
Student Handbook: Peaceful Demonstrations and Protests 12-13
Sponsors of demonstrations or protests must secure a registration permit from the Director of Student Union or designee at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled activity.
View full policy (PDF, 105 KB). Internet Usage Policies
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: Acceptable Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources 12-13
Users must not engage in inappropriate uses, including: ... Storage, display, transmission, or intentional or solicited receipt of material that is or may be reasonably regarded as obscene, sexually explicit, or pornographic, including any depiction, photograph, audio recording, video or written word, except as such access relates to the academic pursuits of a system student or professional activities of a system employee; and "Spamming" through widespread dissemination of unsolicited and unauthorized e-mail messages.
View full policy (PDF, 260 KB). Student Handbook: Computer Use Policy 12-13
[S]tudents are expected to act in accord with the following general principles based on the acceptable law as well as common sense, common decency and civility applied to the networked computing environment.
It is unacceptable to use the University's system to engage in wasteful and disruptive practices, such as creating or sending "chain letters," "broadcast" messages or unwanted material, "flaming" or overloading a system.
Respect the rights of others. Do not send threatening or harassing materials.
View full policy (PDF, 106 KB). Other Speech Codes
Student Handbook: Political Activity 12-13
Use of available public areas in University facilities for political activity is encouraged and must be scheduled with the appropriate director of the Building or area involved.
"Political activity" means action by a person or persons promoting the candidacy of an individual or group of individuals or favoring a particular position on a public issue. Such activity may include:
1. Distribution of political literature including handbills, cards, buttons and pamphlets;
2. Requests to sign petitions;
3. Discussions of candidates or issues.
No person or group shall have the right to place political signs, posters, banners or similar material on or in University property. Political student organizations which are recognized under the appropriate University regulations may post signs announcing meetings of the organization.
View full policy (PDF, 105 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 May 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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