Intolerance
and bigotry are antithetical to the values of the university and unacceptable
within the Rutgers community. One of the ways the university seeks to effect
this principle is through a policy of nondiscrimination, which prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual
orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, or veteran
status in university programs. In order to reinforce institutional goals of
nondiscrimination, tolerance, and civility, the following policy against verbal
assault, defamation, and harassment makes clear that such behavior toward others
violates acceptable standards of conduct within the university. (This policy is
not intended to supersede the university's policy against harassment.)
Verbal
assault, defamation, or harassment interferes with the mission of the
university. Each member of this community is expected to be sufficiently
tolerant of others so that all students are free to pursue their goals in an
open environment, able to participate in the free exchange of ideas, and able
to share equally in the benefits of our educational opportunities. Beyond that,
each member of the community is encouraged to do all that she or he can to
ensure that the university is fair, humane, and responsible to all students.
A community
establishes standards in order to be able to fulfill its mission. The policy
against verbal assault, defamation, and harassment seeks to guarantee certain
minimum standards. Free speech and the open discussion of ideas are an integral
part of the university community and are fully encouraged, but acts that restrict
the rights and opportunities of others through violence, intimidation, the
destruction of property, or verbal assault, even if communicative in nature,
are not protected speech and are to be condemned.
