In this class, you will have the opportunity to express and experience cultural diversity as we focus on topics that may be difficult, not just intellectually but emotionally. While I expect there to be rigorous discussion in the course of our class discussions, the SCCC Code of Conduct requires that you engage in discussion with care and empathy for the other members in the classroom.
It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, country of origin, and documentation status; socioeconomic standing; gender identity, expression, and orientation; religious beliefs; age; and physical, mental, and intellectual ability. You are strongly encouraged to listen to, consider, and learn from the information and ideas shared by other students.
Finally, all people have the right to be addressed and referred to in accordance with their personal identity. In this class, we will have the chance to indicate the name that we prefer to be called and, if we choose, to identify pronouns with which we would like to be addressed... I will do my best to address and refer to all students accordingly and support classmates in doing so as well. [statement adapted from Carnegie Mellon]
Here is the SCCC Student Code of Conduct, which all students are expected to know and adhere to. I draw your attention to the core values of this college at the bottom of page 1 as well as Section 5: particularly the sections on Integrity (p . 5-6), Community (p. 6-8), Social Justice (p. 8-9), Respect (p. 9-10), and Responsibility (p. 10).
Reading these policies, you should feel proud to be part of an institution that so deeply values the experience of all individuals attending this college, but know that comments or behaviors that violate the SCCC Code of Conduct will be addressed immediately.
I draw your attention to the sections of the SCCC Code of Conduct that address concerns which might arise specifically in this class. If you witness any violations of these policies, kindly inform me as the professor of this course or any other SCCC employee if witnessed outside of class so that the concerns can be addressed in a positive, productive fashion. Of course, your confidentiality will be respected to the utmost degree possible.