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Hundreds of members of the Lafayette community have taken the College’s new Civility Pledge in the last two weeks, and today students, faculty, administrators, and staff came together in support of civility on campus at a noontime gathering in Farinon College Center.
Community members spoke in support of thoughtfulness, respectfulness, and breaking down barriers at the College. Numerous students shared personal experiences and discussed ways to make the College community a more inclusive and diverse place.
According to President Daniel H. Weiss, the speakers “affirmed our pledge to stand in support of any member of our community who is wounded by the words or deeds of others,” referring to recent incidents of bias-related graffiti on campus which sparked the gathering and are currently under investigation by the Office of Public Safety.
Speakers included John Colatch, director of religious life and College chaplain; Evan Gooberman ’13, president of Hillel Society; Matt Grandon ’12, Student Government president; Wendy Hill, provost and dean of the faculty; Kameisha Hodge ’11, president of the Association of Black Collegians; John McKnight, associate dean of students and director of intercultural development; Robert Weiner, Jones Professor of History and Jewish chaplain; and others.
Colatch said there will be more activities, events, and conversations focusing on campus civility and inclusiveness following spring break.
The Civility Pledge, which was researched and composed by members of the Civility Project team and announced Feb. 21, reads as follows: “As a member of the Lafayette community, I will conduct myself in a way that strives to respect the physical and emotional well-being of others as individuals and the community as a whole. I will exercise good judgment as to my personal conduct and exhibit good will towards the other members of my community. I will not remain silent when these values are disrespected by others.”
The text of the pledge was on display in Farinon College Center. Members of the campus community included their photographs on a “pledge wall” to show their support of the pledge.
“The pledge encourages us all to live together as thoughtful and respectful members of a diverse community. This is a small but very visible sign that we are willing to think, talk, and act in ways that enhance the quality of life for all who work, study, and socialize here,” said Colatch.
Members of the Civility Project team include Hemendra Bhola ’12; Pam Brewer, associate dean of students and director of student life programs; BJ Glenn ’11; Scott Morse, director of athletic communications; Elaine Reynolds, associate professor of biology; Hannah Stewart-Gambino, dean of the College; Bianca Vassare ’12, Colatch, and McKnight.