policy on racism and acts of intolerance 

The Board of Trustees for the Connecticut State University on November 3, 1989, endorsed the following policy regarding racism and acts of intolerance: Institutions within the Connecticut State University have a duty to foster tolerance; the promotion of racial, religious, and ethnic pluralism within the university is the responsibility of all individuals within the university community; every person within the university community should be treated with dignity and assured security and equality; individuals may not exercise personal freedoms in ways that invade or violate the rights of others.

Acts of violence and harassment reflecting bias or intolerance of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and ethnic or cultural origins are unacceptable; and the university shall take appropriate corrective action if such acts of violence or harassment occur. Fighting words, as acts of intolerance, are specifically prohibited. Fighting words are defined as "personally abusive words or epithets (written or spoken) directed at an individual or individuals to harass such individual or individuals, which words or epithets, when directly addressed to any ordinary person are, in the context used and as a matter of common knowledge, are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction, whether or not they actually do so. Such words include, but are not limited to those terms widely recognized to be derogatory references to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, and other personal characteristics."

A complaint against a student alleging a violation of this policy should be filed in the Office of Affirmative Action, EN 133; the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, EN 129; or the University Police Department, Granoff Hall.

A complaint against a university employee alleging a violation of this policy should be filed in the Office of Affirmative Action, EN 133 or the University Police Department, Granoff Hall.

 

As a university community, Southern deplores acts by individuals and groups that are motivated by hate, prejudice, and/or ignorance and are directed toward people of different racial or ethnic background. Such actions will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

 

Sexual harassment is not tolerated at Southern. Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when accompanied by intimidating or coercive pressure to comply with the same. If you are a victim of sexual harassment, please contact the Women's Center, Schwartz Hall Garden Level and/or the Office of Affirmative Action in Engleman Hall, room 133.