Mississippi State University
Green light institutions are those colleges and universities whose policies nominally protect free 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)
Sexual Misconduct 12-13
Sexual Harassment: means unwelcome harassment of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe or pervasive and objectively offensive that it unreasonably interferes with a complainant’s academic performance or equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the University’s resources and opportunities, unreasonably interferes with the complainant’s work or living environment, or deprives the complainant of some other protected right.
View full policy (PDF, 252 KB). Code of Student Conduct: Disorderly Conduct 12-13
Conduct that includes violent, noisy, or drunken behavior on university controlled property or while representing the university or attending a university function, or any action that interferes with or attempts to disrupt the learning environment .
View full policy (PDF, 350 KB). Guidelines for Resolution of Discrimination and Harassment Complaints 12-13
Harassment is uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct directed at a person because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or group affiliation that is either of the following: ... Hostile Environment harassment consists of unwelcome conduct when:
* such conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance, thereby creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment, and
* such conduct is so objectively and subjectively offensive as to alter the conditions of the person's employment or academic advancement (conduct that a reasonable person would find hostile or abusive and one that the victim does in fact perceive to be so). Hostile environment harassment is usually repeated and unwanted behavior, although a sufficiently serious, isolated incident may constitute harassment.
View full policy (PDF, 150 KB). Code of Student Conduct: Harassment 12-13
Conduct (physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic) that is (1) unwelcome; (2) discriminatory on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or veteran status; (3) directed at an individual; and (4) so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that a reasonable person with the same characteristics of the victim would be adversely affected to a degree that interferes with his or her ability to participate in or to realize the intended benefits of an institutional activity, opportunity, or resource.
View full policy (PDF, 350 KB). Posting Policies
Housing and Residence Life: Rules and Regulations- Posting Policies 12-13
The advertisement, posters, flyers, notices, signs or banners should adhere to all university policies and state and federal laws. Promoting the use of alcohol and/or illegal substances is also prohibited. It may not include any reference to or support of blatant violations of the code of student conduct, residence hall policies, federal, state or local law. The Department of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to reject any posting.
View full policy (PDF, 454 KB). Internet Usage Policies
Use of Information Technology Resources 12-13
Examples of inappropriate and unacceptable use of IT resources include, but are not limited to: ... Using IT resources to harass or threaten others ... Use of IT resources for non-University business or for-profit purposes of the user or for political purposes.
View full policy (PDF, 194 KB). Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Dissent, Disruption, and Academic Freedom 12-13
Mississippi State University recognizes that in the community of scholars there are certain indisputable rights to freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression. The university encourages the search for truth and knowledge and does not abridge searchers' rights to reveal their findings, by both spoken and written word, even if in so doing they might find themselves at variance with their peers as well as the lay community. To dissent, to disagree with generally accepted truth and knowledge is acceptable. The university also stands for the right of all faculty, staff, and students to pursue their legitimate activities without interference, intimidation, coercion, or disruption. The university affirms all rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States.
View full policy (PDF, 120 KB). Free Speech and Assembly Policy 12-13
Mississippi State University will protect the rights of freedom of speech, expression, petition, and peaceful assembly as set forth in the U. S. Constitution.
Mississippi State University provides forums for the expression of ideas and opinions, such as the following:
1. Traditional public forums include the university's public streets, sidewalks, parks, and similar common areas such as the Drill Field. These areas are generally available for expressive activity, planned or spontaneous, for the individual or small group at any time without the need for reservation or prior approval.
View full policy (PDF, 120 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 June 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.
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