Freedom of Inquiry and Expression

The college is committed to the principles of free inquiry and expression.  Members of the college community have the right to hold, vigorously defend and express their ideas and opinions, and to allow those ideas and opinions to flourish or wither according to their merits.  Respect for this right requires that members of the college community tolerate expression of views that they find objectionable.  But whatever the legal boundaries of free speech, the members of an educational community should voluntarily adopt standards of civility and good taste that reflect mutual respect, understanding and sensitivity among its diverse racial, ethnic and cultural groups.  In particular, employees of the college represent the college and have a special role and position of authority.  All members of the college community are to be treated with respect with sensitivity to the impact of words and opinions.