House of Student Representatives 107th Session Texas Christian University Introduced By: Mikea K. Jackson Date: October 12th, 2020 H.R. 107-02 Action Taken:_________________ 1 2 “A Resolution to Support the Implementation of a Zero Tolerance Policy and Harsh Sanctions Against Hate Speech” 3 4 5 6 Whereas: The Student Body Code Title 2, Chapter 1 states that the mission of the Student Government Association is “to enrich the experience of our constituents by developing and considering legislation, providing funding, and advocating on behalf of the student body,” and 7 8 Whereas: This provision requires that SGA advocate for the interests of all undergraduate students, including those in marginalized groups, and 9 10 11 Whereas: The mission of Texas Christian University is “to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community,” and 12 13 14 Whereas: Texas Christian University has made a commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by publicly stating “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives are a key part of TCU’s core values”, and 15 16 17 18 Whereas: Fulfilling TCU’s mission to develop ethical leaders and critical thinkers in a global community depends on the university’s ability to attract and retain students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds and create a community that allows them to thrive, and 19 20 21 Whereas: A diverse and inclusive campus leads to innovation, broadened perspectives and understanding – values that are foundational aspects of higher education, and 22 Whereas: Hate speech is in direct conflict with a diverse and inclusive campus, and 23 24 25 Whereas: Currently, the Code of Student Conduct does not possess a definition of hate speech or provide information regarding sanctions for individuals who engage in hate speech, and House of Student Representatives 107th Session Texas Christian University Introduced By: Mikea K. Jackson Date: October 12th, 2020 H.R. 107-02 Action Taken:_________________ 26 27 28 Whereas: The Code of Student Conduct and other documents governing the campus community should include disciplinary sanctions in regard to the usage of hate speech 29 30 31 32 33 Whereas: The United Nations defines hate speech as “any kind of communication in speech, writing or behavior, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, color, descent, gender or other identity factor.", and 34 Whereas: Hate speech has historical context and power within “American” institutions, and 35 36 37 38 Whereas: Hate speech continues to perpetuate the marginalization of historically marginalized populations. The Student Government Association nor Texas Christian University should condone the usage and non-restriction of hate speech and, 39 40 Whereas: In accordance with TCU’s mission statement and commitment to DEI, hate speech has no place at TCU; therefore, 41 Let it be resolved by the House of Student Representatives at Texas Christian University: 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 (1) That the Student Government Association supports the addition of hate speech to the list of prohibited conduct outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. (2) That the Student Government Association supports the implementation of a zerotolerance policy regarding violations of the hate speech provision in the Code of Student Conduct both on and off Texas Christian University’s campus. (3) That the Division of Student Affairs, including Campus Life in consultation with the Student Government Association, develops disciplinary sanctions for individuals in violation of the University’s hate speech section of the Code of Student Conduct. (4) That the minimum sanction for a violation of the Code of Student Conduct in relation to hate speech be suspension from Texas Christian University and expulsion for any offense thereafter. House of Student Representatives 107th Session Texas Christian University Introduced By: Mikea K. Jackson H.R. 107-02 Date: October 12th, 2020 54 55 Action Taken:_________________ (5) That the relevant sanctions will be added to the Code of Student Conduct and publicly announced to the campus community by administration. CC: Chancellor Victor Boschini, Vice Chancellor Kathy Cavins-Tull, Dr. Michael Russell Certified By: __________________ Speaker of the House Duly Approved: _________________ Student Body President