values are being challenged, the effect may be simultaneously painful
and highly educational. Thus, behavior that is disturbing or unsettling
to an individual or group is not necessarily discriminatory. In this
regard, it is imperative that teachers and students be able to take
controversial positions without fear, in accordance with the principle of
academic freedom.
3. Civility
All discourse, as well as treatment of individuals-in offices, classrooms,
residences, or any other setting or mode of communication should be
respectful of the individual, whether or not there is disagreement on
matters of substance, taste, politics, or evidence. Creating and
sustaining a climate of civility in an institution of voluntary
membership is the responsibility of each individual.
4. Freedom from Discrimination
While the nature of an academic community is to provide a milieu for
the expression, criticism and discussion of the widest range of opinions,
it does not provide license for bigotry in the form of demeaning,
discriminatory speech or actions. Thus, the presentation of a reasoned
or evidenced claim about a societal group that offends members of that
group is to be distinguished from a gratuitous denigrating claim about,
or addressed to, an individual or group. The former is bona fide
academic behavior while the latter may demean, degrade or victimize
in a discriminatory manner and, if so, undermines the above principles.
Discriminatory speech and actions are especially abhorrent when they
are made anonymously, for anonymity precludes the possibility of an
exchange and exploration of ideas; moreover, such an anonymous
message - by the very nature of its delivery - is a threat to the recipient.
Discrimination by one person against another is also particularly
abhorrent when the first person is in a position of power with respect to
the second, whether in the academic, administrative, political, or social
hierarchy on the campus.
II.
Student Conduct: Expectations, Rules, and Regulations
Carleton accords students the opportunity to learn about life, to challenge
their own values and the ideas and values of others, and, in so doing, to
become responsible members of the College community. While the College
imposes no specific moral standard or creed on its students, each student is
responsible for living up to the values cited above and the policies, rules,
and regulations detailed below. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary
action.
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