Statement of Community Values

George Mason University believes that through active participation in an intellectually and culturally diverse learning community, students will be better prepared to deal with the issues they will face in a rapidly changing ethnically diverse society.

In the presentation of ideas, the University encourages a balanced approach and respect for contrary points of view. Being open to the ideas and opinions of other members of the community will lead to discussion that is characterized by courtesy, mutual respect and charity no matter how offensive or unpopular the idea may be. Congruent with these ideas is the principle that all members of the George Mason University community enjoy the right to freedom of speech and expression.

The right to free speech and expression does not include unlawful activity or activity which endangers or threatens to endanger the safety or wellbeing of any member of the community. It does not include any activity which materially interferes with the education of other students or the mission of the institution.

It is expected that members of the community will actively participate in programs and activities of the University and will support efforts to foster the identified values of the community.

Underlying the University’s mission are basic values which must be respected if the goals are to be achieved. These indispensable community values include:

• The importance of personal integrity
• The right of every individual to be treated with respect and dignity
• The freedom of intellectual inquiry in the pursuit of truth
• The freedom of speech and open exchange of ideas
• The acceptance and appreciation of diversity
• The freedom from discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, and political views
• The freedom from violence aimed at limiting freedom, interfering with, or disrupting university activities