Civility and Personal Conduct Policy

Purpose

McNeese State University is committed to creating a culture of respect and civility that is free of harassment and discrimination. All members of the University community share a commitment to academic freedom, open inquiry, the pursuit of knowledge, and the fair and respectful treatment of all individuals—regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, marital status, military status, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics—in admission, employment, and participation in educational programs, services, and activities.

Definitions

Civility requires treating others with dignity and respect and making a good faith effort to consider others’ feelings. Even the most critical feedback must be delivered respectfully, privately, and courteously.

Examples of civility include:

• Treating others with dignity, courtesy, politeness, and consideration
• Speaking in appropriate tones
• Respecting others’ right to express views, even when disagreeing
• Managing conflict in respectful rather than confrontational ways

Incivility includes a broad range of unprofessional behaviors such as rudeness, shouting, swearing, intimidation, bullying, or other conduct that causes offense, humiliation, or harm. It can be a single event or a pattern, overt or subtle, and may involve abuse of authority.

Examples of incivility include:

• Shouting or using abusive language
• Threatening behavior or props suggestive of violence
• Slamming doors or throwing objects
• Humiliating, degrading, belittling, or insulting others
• Disallowing divergent points of view

Applicable Federal and State Laws

The University complies with and enforces applicable laws, including but not limited to:

• Civil Rights Act of 1964 (racial discrimination)
• Title VII (sexual harassment/discrimination)
• Title IX (gender discrimination)
• Executive Orders EWE 92-7; KBB2004-54 (sexual orientation discrimination)
• Age Discrimination Act of 1967
• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA)
• Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

Concern, Grievance, or Complaint

Individuals who believe they have been treated with disrespect, incivility, harassment, or discrimination may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility. Individuals wishing to initiate a formal written complaint may do so via one of the following methods:

• Unclassified Grievance/Complaint Policy
• Grievance Policy for Classified Employees
• Office of Campus Compliance and Civility Complaint/Reporting Form
• Contacting the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility
  • Burton Business Center, Suite 407
  • Phone: (337) 475-5428
  • Fax: (337) 475-5603
  • Email: compliance@mcneese.edu

Consequences

Violations of this policy may result in sanctions, including reprimand, probation, suspension, demotion, reassignment, termination, and expulsion. Legal liability may also apply to both the individual and the University.

Training

McNeese and the state of Louisiana provide training on Title IX, power-based violence, civility, prevention of sexual misconduct, and other related areas.

Syllabus Statement

All course syllabi must include the following statement: “Students should visit www.mcneese.edu/compliance and www.mcneese.edu/policy on the University website for policies and procedures regarding disabilities, sexual misconduct, anti-bullying, civility and personal conduct, and retaliation.”

Related Policies

• Accessible Participation Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Power-Based Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Prohibition Against Retaliation Policy

Communication

This policy is distributed via course syllabi and the University Policies webpage.