This post was originally published by Vice President for Student Affairs Dee Siscoe on the Student Affairs blog.
During the keynote address of last spring’s Statewide Collaborative Diversity Conference, Jeff Johnson reminded us that “the college campus is the space where you should feel free to discuss things the world won’t talk about.”
Recent events have illuminated both the need for this space as well as the challenges of engaging in difficult discussions. As we move forward with the campus conversation on diversity and racism, I would like to affirm a few points.
The principles of Missouri State
Our Declaration of University Principles defines educated persons as those who hold themselves to the following ideals:
- Being open minded to embrace the benefits and richness that diversity and inclusiveness bring to the community of scholars and to recognize them as catalysts for educational excellence.
- Practicing personal and academic integrity. Being a full participant in the educational process, and respecting the right of all to contribute to the “Marketplace of Ideas.”
- Treating all persons with civility, while understanding that tolerating an idea is not the same as supporting it. Being a steward of the shared resources of the community of scholars.
Accepting these principles means that you will refrain from and discourage behavior that threatens the freedom and respect each member of our community deserves.
The rights of our students
According to the Code of Students Rights and Responsibilities, all students have a right to be offered reasonable protection from retaliation, intimidation and/or harassment.
Students who believe they have experienced retaliation, intimidation and/or harassment are encouraged to seek assistance from one of a number of campus resources, including:
Students can find assistance on filing a complaint and other campus resources on the Office of Student Conduct website.
Expectations for the future
I echo President Smart’s words in The Standard: “All members of the Missouri State University community have the rights of assembly, free speech and expression throughout the campus. While we, as individuals, may not always agree with the ideas expressed, as a community built on civility and respect, it is expected that we will respect these rights, and that they will not be thwarted by the threat of abuse or harassment.”
At Missouri State University, we want all of our students to feel welcome, safe and at home. My hope is that as members of the Missouri State University community, we will continue to explore meaningful ways to engage. May we all move forward with integrity and tolerance — knowing that respect for others is the surest sign of self-respect — as we seek to make our campus a more accepting and enriching space.