Stanford Report, November 5, 2008

University issues new Acts of Intolerance Protocol

Stanford has issued a revised policy outlining how the university will respond to "acts of intolerance," defined as acts that adversely and unfairly target a person or group on the basis of one or more actual or perceived characteristics: gender or gender identity, race or ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality and age.

"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," the new Acts of Intolerance Protocol says.

President John Hennessy signed the eight-page protocol Oct. 8.

"Gender identity" and "age" are new additions to the list of characteristics covered by the updated protocol. (The last protocol was issued in 2003.) The new policy establishes:

  • A reporting process for students who believe they have experienced or observed an act of intolerance—for instance, a student living in an undergraduate residence hall would report the incident to a resident fellow, resident assistant or residence dean;
  • Mechanisms for delivering a rapid response to reported acts of intolerance—residence deans will take primary responsibility for addressing the needs of the target, and the cultural and diversity educator will do the same for the perpetrator or alleged perpetrator;
  • A clearly defined consultation process to ensure broad collaboration for assessing incidents and allegations.

    • The university will address incidents on a case-by-case basis, the protocol says.

    The new policy was developed by a 24-member committee composed of students and staff, including the assistant director of the Asian American Activities Center, the director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, residence deans from Roble and Stern halls, the deans of freshmen and student life, and a university lawyer.

    Asked to provide examples of acts of intolerance, Sally Dickson, an associate vice provost in the student affairs division and the chair of the committee, said tearing down or defacing posters might qualify.

    "When an act of intolerance occurs, we will look at it and respond to it from the perspective of an educational institution," she said. "We want to engage students, staff and faculty in creating and maintaining a respectful learning environment. We don't want the protocol to be seen as a document to be used for punitive purposes. We want to know when an act of intolerance occurs so we can ask: How can we use it as a teachable moment for our community?"

    Dickson said the university has a range of options for responding to an act of intolerance, including offering one-on-one counseling with Thom Massey, Stanford's cultural and diversity educator; presenting an educational program in a residence; working with the community affected by the act; and appointing a student affairs staff member to conduct an investigation.

    The protocol says some acts of intolerance may rise to the level of a hate crime, which would violate state and federal laws, as well as the university's Fundamental Standard.

    "Acts of intolerance that do not rise to the level of a hate crime may involve constitutionally protected speech," the policy says. "Engaging in constitutionally protected expressive activities will not subject a student to discipline under the Fundamental Standard."

    Copies of the Acts of Intolerance Protocol may be obtained from the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs in Tresidder Memorial Union.