University Values and the Exchange of Ideas

The modern land-grant university fosters the acquisition of knowledge and the distribution of newly discovered information. It enlivens curiosity, cultivates critical judgement and encourages the contribution of its informed students to the development of American society. The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to these land-grant goals and to the maintenance of an academic environment which advances the free exchange of ideas.

While prohibition of certain forms of speech can have a chilling effect on the free and open exchange of ideas, a policy of civility and tolerance can protect an environment which is free of intimidation to promote open debate.

Personal verbal harassment of one individual by another is uncivil behavior, which can taint or pollute the learning climate and discourage open expression of ideas on legitimate academic subjects.

The university is committed to an orderly learning environment, which protects the right of free speech and rejects personal intimidation of any kind. Accordingly, the Academic Master Plan approved by the Board of Regents in 1993 cites “graciousness” and “civility” as characteristics of the proper environment for encouraging “the honest and rational consideration of conflicting ideas and diverse opinions.”