Southern supports the public expressions of personal values and opinions as long as those expressions are not profane or obscene, do not promote a lifestyle that is contrary to the mission, vision, and values of this institution, or do not belittle individuals or groups of people. However, in all communication, Southern has the expectation that students work, individually and together, to create an atmosphere that is safe, valuing of one another, and open to diverse perspectives.
Students are expected to show courtesy, civility, and respect for one another and for their instructors. Comments that degrade or ridicule another, whether based on individual or cultural differences, are unacceptable. Any conduct involving actions, images, words or data that are indecent, abusive, profane, harassing, or sexually offensive, whether via clothing, telephone, cell phone, e-mail, audio, film, video, printed materials, homepages, or online social networks, is considered activity that violates the community standards of Southern’s campus (An example of such conduct is the display of the Confederate flag).
Other conduct that is a violation of this policy is voyeuristic activities, including the unauthorized use of cell phones, laptops, other portable devices, and drones to film others secretly; sexual exploitation; public nudity, and indecent exposure (These latter activities may also be violations of Southern’s Title IX policy). Because this list is not exhaustive, Southern uses its mission, vision, and values as guidelines to determine whether a group or an individual’s expression is appropriate.
Occasionally, a class may present content that contains material contrary to Southern’s community values. These episodes are rare and done so only after judicious discussion between professors and their school’s or department’s administration about the content’s value to the academic goals of the class and Southern’s Sexual Integrity policy.