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Introduction
A civil, open, and interactive community is an essential characteristic of
a vital university. It is fundamental to the free exchange of ideas
that is at the core of an environment that cultivates learning and
discovery.
At Northwestern University we must vigorously pursue an
academic, work, and social environment that is civil, fair, and founded
upon mutual respect and trust. All individuals within the broad University
community should share this aspiration and its attendant responsibilities.
As members of the Northwestern community, its faculty, staff, and students
are expected to deal with each other with respect and consideration.
Hate Crime & Bias Incidents
At Northwestern we are committed to maintaining an environment free of discrimination
and all forms of coercion that impede the academic freedom or diminish the
dignity of any member of the University community. It is the policy of Northwestern
University not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status,
age, disability or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing,
or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates in accordance
with University commitment and civil rights legislation.
Hate crimes are against the law. Illinois law provides for criminal and
civil penalties against an individual or individuals who, by reason of the
actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual
orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin of another
individual or group of individuals, commits assault, trespass to property,
damage to property, or certain other specified crimes. Students found to
be involved in hate crime-related incidents are subject to legal action.
Hate crimes are also a violation of University rules and regulations. According
to the Student Handbook, "physical abuse of any person or any action
that threatens or endangers the emotional well-being, health or safety of
any person" is a violation of the student code of conduct (Student
Handbook).
A student, group of students, or student organization found to have violated
any University rule or regulation is subject to appropriate disciplinary
action. Violations of University rules or regulations are adjudicated administratively
or through the University Hearing and Appeals System (UHAS). The sanctions
imposed for violations of University rules or regulations include, but are
not limited to, fines, restitution for damages, probation, suspension and
exclusion from Northwestern University.
Bias incidents, on the other hand, may not meet the necessary elements required
to prove a hate crime, but the behavior involved may be a violation of University
rules and regulations. For example, a bias incident may violate the Civility, Mutual Respect, and Unacceptability of Violence on Campus policy. Complaints arising from bias incidents will be resolved
through the University Hearing and Appeals System.
These policy statements are taken from the Northwestern University Student
Handbook:
www.northwestern.edu/handbook
Here are specific policy references
Northwestern University Nondiscrimination Policy (Student Handbook, pages 26-27)
It is the policy of Northwestern University not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates in accordance with University commitment and civil rights legislation.
Hate Crime (Student Handbook, page 14)
Illinois law provides for criminal and civil penalties against an individual or individuals who assault, trespass upon, or cause damage to the property of or injure physically or emotionally another person or persons because of such person's race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin. Students involved in hate crime related incidents may fact legal and disciplinary actions.
Violations of University Rules and Regulations (Student Handbook, page 18)
Students may be subject to disciplinary action for . . . 1) physical abuse of any person or any action that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person; 2) theft or damage to property
Computing and Telecommunications Equipment, Facilities, and Services (Student Handbook, pages 23-24)
The University provides several computing and telecommunications facilities for students and faculty use. These include Information Technology, the University Library, many departmental minicomputers and microcomputers, residence hall microcomputers, and telephone instruments (voice and/or data transmission) in offices, residence halls, and other building. Misuse of these facilities, services and equipment is a violation of University rules and regulations and may also be a violation of Illinois criminal statutes.
Civility, Mutual Respect, and
Unacceptability of Violence on Campus (Student Handbook, pages 22-23)
Individuals covered by these policies include
faculty, staff, and students, including
postdoctoral fellows and research and
academic staff.
- Policy. As members of the Northwestern
community, its faculty, staff, and
students are expected to deal with each
other with respect and consideration.
- Expected behavior. Each community
member is expected to treat other
community members with civility and
respect, recognizing that disagreement
and informed debate are valued in an
academic community.
- Unacceptable behavior. Demeaning, intimidating,
threatening, or violent behaviors
that affect the ability to learn,
work, or live in the University environment
depart from the standard for civility
and respect. These behaviors have
no place in the academic community.
- Violence. Violence is behavior that
causes harm to a person or damage to
property or causes fear for one’s safety or
the safety of others. Examples of violent
behavior include physical contact that
is harmful and expression of intent to
cause physical harm. Such behavior
is unacceptable in the Northwestern
community.
- Weapons. Weapons of any kind are prohibited
on campus except for those
carried by sworn police officers.
- Responsibility to act. A member of the
community who is involved in or witnesses
behavior on campus that poses
imminent danger should immediately
contact the University Police. In situations
that do not involve imminent
danger or for advice on the appropriate
course of action, a member of the community
is to notify a supervisor, department
head, or student affairs staff
member. Alternatively, the observer
may report the incident to the Office
of the Provost, the Department of
Human Resources, or the Office of the
Vice President for Student Affairs.
- Orders of protection. Community members
who have obtained restraining or
personal protection orders are encouraged
to provide a copy of the order to
University Police for enforcement on
campus.
- Visitors. Visitors, vendors, and the families
of members of the community are
expected to comply with the provisions
of this policy. Noncompliant behavior
leads to removal from the campus.
- Resources. Guidance for identifying
potential threatening or violent
behavior and for the best ways to deal
with incidents is at www.northwestern.edu/hr/policies.
- Violation. A community member who
has violated this policy is subject to
disciplinary action, which may include
separation of the offending party from
the University, consistent with established
disciplinary procedures.
Academic Freedom
Northwestern University is committed to academic freedom -- to providing a
learning environment that encourages a robust, stimulating, and thought-provoking
exchange of ideas. This policy is not intended to stifle this freedom, nor
will it be permitted to do so. At the same time, however, all members of the
community must recognize that bias incidents, hate crimes and acts of discrimination
impede one's ability to participate fully in the community and compromise the
integrity of the University. Our goal is to create a an environment that furthers
the educational and professional endeavors of all members of the Northwestern
community.
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