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Campaign for Civility

Civility

“Civility is not a sign of weakness”
-President John F. Kennedy, 1961

 “It’s too much to expect in an academic setting that we should all agree, but it’s not too much to expect discipline and unvarying civility.”
-John Howard, Australian statesman

“One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness.”
-Josh Billings, 19th Century Humorist

Kingsborough is committed to fostering a community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members and to creating a climate that is characterized by respect for each other.  The College recognizes that excellence can only flourish in an equitable environment in which all members of the college, at all levels, are free from any acts of harassment and/or discrimination.  It is therefore the responsibility of each member of the KCC community to maintain unvarying civility.

The Campaign for Civility:

The “Campaign for Civility” was launched at the request of President Regina S. Peruggi in Spring 2010.  A college-wide Campaign for Civility Committee representing students and faculty and staff was charged with promoting the civility campaign.  To “make the case for civility,” posters and bookmarks are posted/distributed across the campus and a laminated, page-size, “Make a Case for Civility” poster is affixed in each classroom. 

In addition, faculty are asked to consider including this statement on civility in their syllabi:

Kingsborough Community College is committed to the highest standards of academic and ethical integrity, acknowledging that respect for self and others is the foundation of educational excellence. 

Civility in the classroom and respect for the opinions of others is very important in an academic environment.  It is likely you may not agree with everything which is said or discussed in the classroom.  Courteous behavior and responses are expected.  Therefore, in this classroom, any acts of harassment and/or discrimination based on matters of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and/or ability is not acceptable. 

Whether we are students, faculty, or staff, we have a right to be in a safe environment, free of disturbance and civil in all aspects of human relations.

Events:

The Campaign held a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, 22 September 2010, at 3 pm in the MAC Playhouse to formally kickoff a continued commitment to civility on campus and has been supported by extensive follow-up events.  The program opened with student testimonials regarding civility on campus after which President Regina Peruggi began her address.  Then, there was a theatre performance on the topic of civility (coordinated by Profs. Matthew Gregory and Ryan McKinney), followed by a panel of key administrators and staff who opened the floor to questions from the student population.  The goal of this event was to create an opportunity for students to express their concerns and opinions and work towards solutions of understanding, communication, and respect.

Each year, the campus plans several events that fall under the umbrella of the Campaign for Civility:

  • Safe Zone events
  • 9/11 Memorial
  • Black History Month
  • Women’s History Month
  • Step-Up Day
  • Enough is Enough
  • Diversity Week
  • 99 Voices Collective

And more!

Student Representatives (appointed every year)

For further information or to plan a civility-related event or receive the posters/bookmarks, please send an e-mail to Ms. Helen-Margaret Nasser at Helen.nasser@kbcc.cuny.edu with your name and contact information.