In an effort to promote a more respectful attitude around campus, the Student Government Association kicked off the start of a two-week Campus Civility Project with the signing of its “Declaration of Civility” by the presidents of several campus organizations Monday in front of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union. Organizations who signed the declaration were SEALS, SGA, Student Programming Association, Residence Hall Association, Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Student Educators And Leaders vice president Kali Boudreaux, English education junior from Raceland, said the organizations will each sponsor a day to promote activities for the first two weeks of school during the project. Activities will take place in the cafeteria and in the deck and snack bar areas of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union.
“We are striving to have a peaceful environment and promote safety,” Boudreaux said.
Judy Daniels, Dean of Student Life, approached SEALS with the idea of the project after having observed what she described as “vulgar language, racial slurs and inappropriate comments towards women” on campus. Although Daniels said not everyone is participating in this behavior, this problem is commonly discussed amongst personnel from other universities.
“Student behavior is an issue for communities across the country,” Daniels said. “The issue seems to be related to the deterioration of students behaving civilly, respectfully and appropriately for college.”
After witnessing and receiving complaints about inappropriate behavior, Daniels wondered if those could have been isolated events. After conversing with student leaders, she learned that such happenings were not only common, but some of the students she spoke with actually admitted to participating in the behavior. Daniels said although the students do know how to be respectful, they sometimes forget.
“There can be 10 guys from a fraternity, all wonderful guys, but as a group they sometimes forget how to be respectful,” Daniels said.
The reason why the campaign is two weeks long, Boudreaux said, is so students can be instilled with the message. She said research shows that two weeks is the proper time for this to occur.
Daniels said she has received an increasing number of complaints about harassment, especially from female students receiving “cat calls” in the lobby of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union.
“Especially an 18-year-old freshman who is already anxious, she should feel safe when walking by a group of guys,” Daniels said.
When students begin to be more respectful of one another, the general atmosphere of the campus will improve.
“It sets the tone for an environment that is conducive to personal growth and academic pursuit,” Daniels said.
Faculty are also encouraged to promote the campaign by involving their students, for example, by initiating debate on the topic of campus civility in class, Daniels said.
