A Statement of Commitment
Spring Arbor University is a community of learners committed to reflecting the Kingdom of God in diversity of our students, faculty, staff, trustees, and other associates. Valuing the dignity of every human being is part of the historic legacy of our founding denomination. The University’s continued focus on creating a diverse learning environment reflects these values and honors our heritage.
This University is committed to be a place where ethnic and racial inclusiveness is a hallmark of the community we create. However, as an imperfect human organization, we must acknowledge and plan for the challenges such diversity brings. But we boldly embrace this challenge, because as Christians, we know it is right. Jesus Christ is the perspective for our learning, and through Him, we are called to move beyond mere tolerance of each other to genuine acceptance and mutually transformative learning.
Becoming a diverse community of learners is consistent with our liberal arts tradition. It facilitates a healthy exchange of culture, economic, social, religious, philosophical views within the classroom and in campus activities. Further, as an educational institution, we know we will ill- prepare students for personal and professional lives in a global society if we fail to expose them to the rich diversity of peoples and cultures. This exposure cannot solely come from books but needs to be tested and experience though interactive and on-going personal relationships.
Therefore, we will seek ways to invite and welcome diversity into our community. We will be proactive and creative in integrating different cultural perspectives into the curriculum and community life, and we will strive to be always a community of love and respect.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, 2003
Responding and Reporting
Spring Arbor University seeks to create and nurture an environment free from discrimination and harassment and asks students, faculty, and staff to participate in fostering and protecting this community by addressing deviations from SAU Community Standards. In minor circumstances, community members should follow the redemptive model found in Matthew 18:12-17 and provide one-on- one constructive feedback. In circumstances where the behavior does not change or are more serious in nature, student issues should be reported to any member of the Student Development and Success staff and/or the individuals identified below and academic issues should be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Kevin Brown, Chief Diversity Officer ([email protected] or 517-750-6668)
Racism and Discrimination
Racism is a set of attitudes or beliefs that hold particular racial or ethnic groups superior to others, often resulting in justification of discriminatory treatment or other acts of racism. Because it is universally true that humans are clearly equal in value and worth, we seek to honor and cherish every person in dignity, kindness, and grace. Racist attitudes and actions do not reflect the Kingdom of God and violate the Christian community Spring Arbor University strives to create. Spring Arbor University will respond to complaints of racist behavior by:
- Advising the student reporting the alleged in inappropriate conduct about available University and community resources;
- Assisting the student in accessing college and community resources, arranging for reconciliation between affected parties, and contacting campus and local law enforcement authorities when such assistance is requested;
- Making reasonable accommodations in living, student employment, or academic arrangements as appropriate;
- Conducting a timely and thorough investigation;
- Managing all complaints as confidential to the extent consistent with conducting a thorough investigation;
- Determining the appropriate accountability response where appropriate;
- Communicating outcomes of the investigation and applicable accountability response to the appropriate parties when warranted.
Retaliation
The University requires that no student, officer, employee, or agent of the University shall retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual for exercising their right or responsibilities to report incidents of racial misconduct.
Accountability Responses
University responses to racial misconduct will be determined after the incident has been thoroughly investigated. As part of the accountability process, SAU will provide opportunity for reconciliation between the students impacted by the incident. Depending on the severity of the offense, University responses may include-but are not limited to-the following:
- Verbal confrontation
- Written correction and warnings
- Restriction of campus access, benefits, or services
- Guided research paper
- Mandatory mentoring, accountability and/or training/ education
- Suspension
- Dismissal
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