A Commitment to Diversity

To accomplish this mission, Ohio University is committed to producing an atmosphere in which understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial differences are ensured. Diversity is part of the institution's heritage. Ohio University was one of the first in the nation to graduate an African-American, John Newton Templeton, in 1828. A generation later the institution graduated its first international alumnus, Saki Taro Murayama of Japan, in 1895.

President Robert Glidden has a record of leadership with respect to diversity, beginning with his 1 October 1994 inaugural address , in which he stressed that "a sense of community derives from a sense of shared values" where differences are celebrated. In his first State of the University address on 13 October 1995, Dr. Glidden spoke about "A Just and Diverse Community" that would "promote recognition and appreciation of accomplishments by women and minorities so that all persons in the university are equally respected and empowered." In subsequent State of the University addresses, Dr. Glidden has stressed:

• The Internationalization of the Curriculum. Ohio University should become "more sensitive to and more respectful of cultural differences that can separate us from people in other parts of the world, finding ways to enhance intercultural and international learning. Perhaps most important, [internationalization] means developing in our students a sense of curiosity about cultural diversity and what that really "(from Towards a Shared Vision: The 1996 State of the University Address).

• Tolerance. "It is not satisfactory or even acceptable just to tolerate such differences because we miss a great opportunity if we do not in fact learn from them. So, fostering the value of diversity is not something we do to be politically correct; we do it because of learning ... and also to prepare ourselves to help make a better world" (from A Sharper Focus: The 1997 State of the University Address).

• Global Learning. "[T]he next generation of leaders must not only be proficient in their particular areas of expertise, but they must be able to apply that expertise in an international environment" (from Towards the Next Level of Excellence: The 1998 State of the University Address).

President Glidden has also initiated programs and composed editorials stressing diversity. One such initiative is the nationally recognized PATH Program emphasizing Personal Accountability, Trust and Honor. The President has associated these values with diversity:

• "We know that we can learn from the differences among us: differences in national origin or ethnic background, differences in the color of our skin, differences in home towns - whether we're from urban, suburban, or rural communities - differences in sexual preference, or gender, or religion. ... Diversity means that we treasure the opportunity to learn from the differences among us. We do not tolerate racism."

In sum, Ohio University is bound morally, emotionally, and intellectually to pursue the realizing of a vision of real community. As a result, it is committed to equal opportunity for all people and is pledged to take direct and proactive measures to achieve that goal. In upholding its commitment, Ohio University will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, bigotry, or other forms of human rights violations. Such actions are inconsistent with, and detrimental to, the core values we hold essential as an institution of higher learning, among them respect, civility, and diversity. All students, faculty, and staff of Ohio University are expected to uphold the university's commitment to a just and diverse community and to take a leadership role in ensuring an atmosphere of equality.

Commitment to a Just and Diverse Community

A just and diverse community acknowledges the uniqueness of the individual and her/his socio-cultural context, and provides systems and structures to support and promote the full, fair, and respected participation of all members. It holds as paramount the dignity of all people. It strives for acceptance, participation, and interdependence.

Our commitment to a just and diverse community is rooted in the recognition that Ohio University comprises individuals with varied social and cultural backgrounds and experiences. Because discrimination, prejudice, and unequal opportunity negatively impact the personal, intellectual, and social development of all individuals, we must work to eliminate these oppressive behaviors and provide opportunities so that individuals can develop to their fullest potential.

We, the members of the Division of Student Affairs, accept the responsibility to create a community which fosters personal development in the pursuit of a just and diverse community.

To this end we pledge to continuously evaluate practices; establish equitable policies, procedures, and programs; and challenge values and behaviors that are incompatible with a just and diverse community.

Community Expectations

Ohio University has long celebrated its commitment to being an academic community. This legacy includes care, cooperation, and an adherence to standards of behavior for all invited to be part of the community. In order for the Ohio University community to flourish, the following expectations of behavior have been established:

• A residential university brings educational activity and living arrangements together as a coherent whole on a campus. Given this close and constant interaction, the life of Ohio University requires acceptance of responsible conduct by individuals in the community as a necessary condition for continued membership in the community.

• Students are expected to be responsible members of a diverse community and to honor and respect differences of culture, lifestyles, and religions.

• Academic integrity and honesty are basic values of the university. Students are expected to follow standards of academic integrity and honesty.

• The university community is an open forum involving the free exchange of ideas and opinions. For exchange to occur, there must be a continuous acceptance of freedom of expression and civility in disagreement.

• The campus, its grounds, facilities, and equipment are provisions largely from the people of Ohio for students at Ohio University. Students are expected to protect and guard these resources of the library, residence halls, classroom buildings, laboratories, and the campus as a whole.