Additional Policies

Freedom of Speech Commitment

This course may present content that includes nudity and imagery, language, or dialogue that may offend students. In viewing and discussing works of art, we encourage the broadest possible tolerance consistent with United States law.

Freedom of speech is the foundation of our communities and our nation. The works we view or produce in this class may awe, illuminate, challenge, unsettle, confound, provoke, and, at times, offend. We defend the freedom to create content and exhibit such work anywhere in the world, and we recognize the privilege of living in a country where creating, exhibiting, and experiencing such work is a constitutional right.

To exhibit a work of art is not to endorse the work or the vision, ideas, and opinions of the artist. It is to uphold the right of all to experience diverse visions and views. If and when controversies arise from the exhibition of a work of art, we welcome public discussion and debate with the belief that such discussion is integral to the experience of the art. Consistent with our fundamental commitment to freedom of speech, however, we will not censor exhibitions in response to political or ideological pressure.

Too often complaints are made through calls to the Dean or Trustee, and the educator is the last to be informed of the charge. If you feel offended by course content, please first contact the professor privately in writing. In your email or letter, please address the following questions:

• To what in the work or assignment do you object?
• What do you believe is the theme or purpose of this work?
• What do you feel might be the result of viewing, reading or learning about this work?
• Is there a work of equal value that you would recommend which would serve as an alternative to the work in question?

Materials are considered innocent until proven guilty. Allegedly offensive materials will not be removed until after the review process has completed.