We do not have a zero-tolerance policy, and there's a specific reason why we don't. Our administration has taken the stance that we are an open-access educational institution, and, as such, should be educating people. Many universities' equity and equality policies are on the cutting edge of social structures, and even bump up against First Amendment rights at times. Since many "-isms" arise from unconscious behavior, working to improve individuals' understanding of themselves, society, and equality issues is often a better choice for us. In fact, we've seen enormous personal change in several instances with training and education aimed at reaching our goal of a color-, culture-, ability-, age-, and gender-blind community. While of course we have the responsibility to maintain a safe and non-discriminatory education and work environment for everyone, we understand that individuals have different rates of growth, acceptance, and change and seek to maintain a balance. That perspective doesn't excuse or condone unacceptable behavior, but it offers the opportunity to frame it as a learning opportunity.
Of course, we don't prohibit severe sanctions for a first violation. There certainly could be instances of speech or behavior egregious enough to merit suspension, dismissal, or termination, and those would be dealt with using current student and employee disciplinary processes. Sorry to go all philosophical on you. Martha From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Aquino, Kristine N. Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 11:34 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [acupa-l] Zero-Tolerance for Inappropriate Behaviors Hello ACUPA members, I received a question from a member of the Diversity Council here at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. One of the Diversity Council's goals is to develop a policy mandating a zero-tolerance culture for inappropriate speech or behaviors regarding race, culture, ethnicity, etc. The policy would likely overlap a few areas such as professionalism and conduct with the aim being supporting a culture of acceptance and trust among faculty, staff, and students. Do any of your institutions have a policy or language in a policy relating to zero-tolerance approach to such speech or behavior? Thank you in advance. K. Nicole Aquino, J.D. Associate Compliance Attorney The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Office of Institutional Compliance 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555 Phone: 409.747.8710 Cell: 713.458.0864 Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> [UTMB_Health_tag_PMS_rgb.png] CONFIDENTIAL & PRIVILEGED INFORMATION This message is being sent by the UTMB Office of Institutional Compliance. It is intended exclusively for the individual(s) or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure pursuant to § 161 Texas Health & Safety Code and § 151 Texas Occupations Code. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy or disseminate this message. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all copies of the message. Nothing in this message should be construed as a digital or electronic signature unless expressly stated to the contrary herein. ATTN: Please be aware that when you respond to an ACUPA-L e-mail, the reply will be distributed to the ENTIRE list of members. If you do NOT want to send an e-mail to everyone, please reply directly to the individual who initiated the query (their e-mail address appears in the "From" line of their original e-mail). If you wish to remove yourself from the ACUPA e-mail list, please go to the following website and complete the form. We will remove you from the list within 24 hours, during normal business hours. http://www.acupa.org/MembershipForm_Discontinue.html If you have questions about the ACUPA e-list, please contact Jamie Parris at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]?subject=ACUPA%20e-list%20assistance> or 607-255-6837.
