Florida International University is committed to safeguarding freedom of expression and academic inquiry while ensuring that its campuses remain safe, accessible, and conducive to learning and work. These principles are essential to the mission of a public university and, at times, may require careful balancing.
The University evaluates incidents and conduct based on factors including safety, the rights of others, institutional operations, and whether access to University programs or activities has been compromised. Information below outlines how the University addresses conduct that may implicate nondiscrimination requirements, civil rights protections, or University policy.
FIU expects all community members to interact in ways that uphold dignity, respect, and the law. When concerning conduct occurs, those affected are encouraged to access available resources and report their concerns so the University may respond appropriately.
What is a hate crime?
A hate crime is a committed or attempted criminal act by any person or group of persons against a person or the property of another person or group, which in any way constitutes an expression of hatred toward the victim because of their personal characteristics, including race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, mental/physical disability and homeless status.
How will the University respond to a hate crime?
A hate crime is a violation of the law and will be investigated by University Police and/or other law enforcement agencies as necessary and appropriate. To report a hate crime, contact university police at 305-348-2626.
Access the Ethical Panther Hotline (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or visit the Office of University Compliance & Integrity Website for more information.
What is hate speech, and is it illegal?
The term “hate speech” does not have a legal definition in the United States, but it often refers to speech that insults or demeans a person or group of people on the basis of attributes such as race, religion, ethnic origin, sex, or disability. While FIU condemns speech of this kind, there is no “hate speech” exception to the First Amendment and it is only illegal if it falls into one of the categories described above. In fact, on many occasions, the Supreme Court has explicitly held that prohibitions or punishments for hateful speech violate the First Amendment.
Just because there is a First Amendment right to say something, however, doesn’t mean that it should be said. The First Amendment protects a right to say hateful things, but we strive as a campus to be a community where no one will choose to express hate.
Sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and other forms of discrimination
Please reach out to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), which is the office responsible for addressing and responding to all reports of discrimination involving students, faculty, and staff, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, whether within or outside the jurisdiction of Title IX.
OCR also oversees FIU’s efforts to prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy or parenting, age, religion, disability, or other bases under federal laws and regulations.
Report a concern
If any student, employee or applicant has a good faith belief that they have been discriminated against or harassed based on age, color, disability, marital status, ethnic or national origin, race, religion, retaliation, sex or any other protected category, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) encourages them to use the resources below to report the incident.