P530D

Principles of Conduct for a Multi-Cultural University
Practice Directive P530D

Effective Date: May 1990

As a major institution of higher education - public, urban, diverse - San Francisco State University has both an exceptional opportunity and special responsibility to set forth, and to live by, principles that reflect fundamental respect for our fellow beings.

The SFSU Commission of Human Relations, therefore, recommends these general principles for building and strengthening our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural university community.

• The University is an environment in which all members, regardless of background, shall have equal access to opportunities to develop their full potential.

• The University is committed to the goal of a multi-cultural community that prepares its members for successful participation and effective leadership in a pluralistic society.

• The University welcomes diversity as an opportunity for teaching developing and promoting multi-cultural competencies and understandings.  Racial, ethnic, gender, sexual identity, disability, religious and other individual or group differences shall not be regarded as hindrances to success.  Rather they shall be treated as positive opportunities for the enrichment of our educational resources and the quality of our campus life.

• Behaviors that are intolerant, insensitive or discriminatory are deemed unacceptable.  As such, they shall be addressed openly, promptly and constructively by the University, its administrators, faculty, staff and, students.

• Members of the San Francisco State University community shall willingly prepare for the future of this city, this state and this nation where there shall no longer be a "majority" society but rather one in which each member has a genuine opportunity to be "first", and to achieve success and fulfillment.

• These attitudes and behaviors which we shall take out into our communities and forward into our lives