I. Introduction
The University is committed to providing a safe living and learning environment in which every person is valued and respected, inclusion is assured and free expression and debate are encouraged.
The University accepts the task of educating the next generation of leaders to understand and appreciate the ideas and opinions generated by an increasingly global community. The Acts of Intolerance Protocol establishes a mechanism for addressing situations involving a real or perceived act of intolerance. In such an instance we wish to proceed thoughtfully, providing support to all of those affected, while also affirming that we value differences, free expression and debate as sources of strength for our community.
II. Purpose
This protocol outlines the guidelines for reporting and responding to acts of intolerance for students, the student affairs division and others in the Stanford community. With this protocol in place, staff will be better prepared to provide leadership in effectively addressing acts of intolerance.
The goal of the protocol is to set forth the procedures to be followed when acts of intolerance (or perceived acts of intolerance) occur and to promote a climate of respect. This protocol is not intended to be used as a means of censorship or to limit in any way dialogue and the free expression of opinions and ideas.
Specifically, this protocol establishes:
- A reporting process for any student who believes that s/he has experienced or observed an act of intolerance.
- Mechanisms for delivering a rapid response to reported acts of intolerance.
- A clearly defined consultation process to insure broad collaboration for assessing incidents and allegations.
- A statement conveying the University's commitment to creating a respectful and civil environment
III. Definitions of Acts of Intolerance
For the purpose of this protocol, an act of intolerance is conduct that adversely and unfairly targets an individual or group on the basis of one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics:
- Gender or gender identity
- Race or ethnicity
- Disability
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Nationality
- Age
- Social or economic class
Some acts of intolerance may rise to the level of a hate crime. A hate crime is any conduct that would be a crime under California or federal laws and which is committed whole or in part because of one or more of the above characteristics (or perceived characteristics) of the target or targets. Hate crimes can include: physical assault, vandalism, threats of harm, criminal harassment, including threatening or repeated telephone calls or electronic communications. It is a violation of both California law and Stanford's Fundamental Standard to commit a hate crime.
Acts of intolerance that do not rise to the level of a hate crime may involve constitutionally protected speech. Engaging in constitutionally protected expressive activities will not subject a student to discipline under the Fundamental Standard.
The University may respond to acts of intolerance through education. Acts of intolerance, (or perceived acts of intolerance), will be addressed by the University on a case-by-case basis.
