Resolution #: SEN-##-YR
TITLE: A Resolution Regarding the Actions of the University of Tennessee,
Knoxville’s Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Vincent Carilli, Ph.D.
SPONSORS:
Austin Smith, Nursing Senator (​asmit315@vols.utk.edu​)
DATE: April 10, 2018
WHEREAS, in the Fall of 2011, the University of Tennessee adopted the Ten Principles
of Civility based on research from other campuses across the nation, and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned principles include, but are not limited to:
● “Dialogue: We value and encourage, and facilitate free exchange of diverse
ideas and points-of-view along with free speech and expression. However, we
discourage uncivil speech or expression that infringes upon the ability of others
to express themselves.” [1]
● “Collegiality: We value an environment that facilitates collegial relationships,
encourages mutual understanding among diverse individuals and leads to
addressing issues and differences in an atmosphere of ​mutual respect and
civility​.” [1]
● “Respect: We believe that a person’s views, ideas, and behavior best reflect the
goals of the academic community ​when the dignity of each individual is
respected​ and when members of the community are considerate of the feelings,
circumstances, and individuality of others.” [1]
● “Response: We encourage all community members to speak out against
incidents involving bigotry and other types of incivility so the university can fulfill
its responsibility of responding in a fair, timely and consistent fashion” [1], and
WHEREAS, Undergraduate Student Senators are a part of the “community members”
mentioned above, and
WHEREAS, the Chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Beverly Davenport. Ph.D.
has released the following statements regarding civility and respect:
● “We have a responsibility to condemn what we know is wrong…” [2]
● “I encourage all of you to be guardians of our campus. Protect it and make it a
symbol of what you honor and love. Take care of it and each other. Be mindful of
what’s hurtful and hateful.” [2]

 ● “Kindness matters. Words matter. Support matters.” [2]
● “We will be defined by our stance against words, actions, and deeds that
demean, threaten, divide, and harm our campus community” [2], and
WHEREAS, in an email sent to a female student, Emma Heins on March 27, 2018, Vice
Chancellor Vincent Carilli, Ph.D. stated the following:
● “I think the information you have shared in your ​bombastic​ email is not accurate.”
[3]
● “To suggest that student input was not received is just plain false, ​irresponsible,
and unbecoming​ of an involved student leader on our campus” [3], and
WHEREAS, the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Women’s Coordinating Council
attests that:
"The Women's Coordinating Council envisions a campus community in which
members of different backgrounds are respected and valued. It is our
understanding that, in the tone and language used in Vice Chancellor Vincent
Carilli's email to Emma Heins, her concerns addressed in the original email to
Vice Chancellor Carilli were neither respected nor valued. Furthermore, ​the use
of the word "unbecoming," a term historically rooted in misogyny​, is not behavior
that the Women's Coordinating Council expects or condones from the
administration of the University of Tennessee,” and
WHEREAS, Ms. Heins stated:
“The specific language of the email felt very uncalled for, and it implied that I was
twisting facts to suit my agenda, which is false. I felt that by using the term
‘unbecoming,’ he was being demeaning towards me due to my gender. I feel that
as a student, and a student leader, I deserve more respect from an administrator
than what I was given,” and
WHEREAS, Vice Chancellor Vincent Carilli’s apology at the March 27, 2018 Senate
Session consisted of, “I am sorry [Ms. Heins], that you were offended,” and
WHEREAS, “indignation” is defined as “anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy,
or mean” [6], and
WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Senate is permitted, under its bylaws, ​“To take
all actions which shall be necessary and proper for carrying out its functions” [4], and

 WHEREAS,​ the function of the Undergraduate Student Senate is to “​support students
by creating and sustaining a positive and inclusive environment in order to bridge gaps
that exist on campus…” [5], and
WHEREAS,​ the Undergraduate Student Senate cannot simultaneously execute this
function and condone the use of ​the terms “bombastic,” “irresponsible,” and
“unbecoming” to label a student or their opinion,’
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that in order to uphold the University of Tennessee’s Ten
Principles of Civility and to pursue its vision to “support students by creating and
sustaining a ​positive​ and inclusive environment,” the 2017-2018 University of
Tennessee Undergraduate Student Senate respectfully, and in good faith, expresses
indignation with Vice Chancellor Carilli’s use of the terms “bombastic,” “irresponsible,”
and “unbecoming” to label any student, student organization, or genuine opinion
thereof.
ACTION TAKEN BY THE STUDENT SENATE
Seconded by
______________________________________________________________
VOTE for _________ against _____________ abstentions _____________
ACTION TAKEN BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
Signature _____________________________________________________
Date _________________________________________________________
ACTION TAKEN BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Signature _____________________________________________________
Date _________________________________________________________

[1] Civility and Community, The University of Tennessee
https://civility.utk.edu/principles/
[2]“Your Voice Matters,” Announcements, Office of the Chancellor, The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville ​https://chancellor.utk.edu/2018/01/26/your-voice-matters/
[3] E-mail sent by Vice Chancellor Vincent Carilli, Ph.D. to Emma Heins on March 27,
2018

 [4] Article I – Powers and Duties of the Student Senate, The Bylaws of the Student
Senate, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
[5] Vision of the Student Senate, Student Government Association, The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville ​https://sga.utk.edu/branches/student-senate/
[6] Indignation, Merriam-Webster Dictionary
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indignation