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We Are Vanderbilt!

At the foundation of Vanderbilt's tradition of excellence lies a community commitment to a shared set of values--our Community Creed. Central to our Creed is the value of civility:

CIVILITY is the genuine respect for the rights of others. We value constructive disagreement and are mindful of the potential impact of our words and actions.

In light of recent anonymous postings on internet sites, students, faculty, and staff have come together to reaffirm our community values and to consider the issues of free speech, hateful speech, and civility. We do not tolerate gossip, slander, or hateful speech. A small group of cowardly individuals, hiding behind the cloak of anonymity, do not speak for the Vanderbilt community. In the face of this anti-social immaturity, we wish to affirm our values and our community. Act on your beliefs and in full awareness of the respect and consideration due other members of our community by joining us at the following campus community events:

Squeeze the Juice: Revealing the issues behind Juicycampus.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Carmichael Towers West Formal Lounge 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
(This is a student-led event for the Vanderbilt campus only.)
Coarseness pervades our culture as is evidenced by the talk shows and slam sites such as juicycampus.com. Does silence condone gossip, slander and hateful speech or make it disappear? How can we respond when someone speaks ill of another person or group? How can we promote civility in word and action?

Free food from Jimmy John's will be provided.

Sign the Pledge: We are Vanderbilt
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sarratt Promenade 11am--1pm

Come sign the pledge to affirm our Community Creed and pick up a T-shirt to show your intolerance for hate speech within the Vanderbilt University community.

Free Speech Friday
Friday, March 28, 2008
Rand Terrace 12 noon--1pm (rain site Sarratt Cinema)
Stand up and speak out with students, faculty, and staff! Wear your T-shirt and share your views with the Vanderbilt Community.

Commodores unite! Show your support for civility by using the "We Are Vanderbilt" jpeg as your Facebook picture March 25-April 4.

Download the image here

For additional information please call Joseph Williams, Joann Lee or Lauren Page Black at (615) 343-6200.