The SJECCD Board of Trustees recently voted at a board meeting on Board Policy #1910, a new Non-Discrimination Policy which features a Zero Tolerance policy.

I'm generally opposed to zero tolerance language, and I worry about how this policy can happen in practice. While I'm all for non-discrimination, the concern with zero tolerance is that it can then be used in ways unforeseen by those drafting the rules.

Tolerance isn't necessarily a bad thing. The idea is to get the right people in place to be the best judges of when and why to be tolerant.

I was thinking about an earlier journal entry I made about the use of the term Anglo-American. I did write that I do find this term hurtful, since my Celtic ancestors had a long, and bitter history with their Anglo-Saxon neighbors.

Despite my mention of this term and our discussion of the harmfulness of the term, it is still occasionally used in class both by the instructor and classmates.

To me, this is not a huge deal. I believe my dislike of the term doesn't mean everyone has to change overnight, I'd just like to encourage the thought process of why it is hurtful.

But reading the zero tolerance policy is says:
"Harassment is a form of discrimination and is therefore prohibited. Harassment means verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual's ethnic group identification, race, religion, gender, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, transgender, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or physical or mental disability that has the purpose or effect of:

1. Creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment; or,
2. Substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individuals work or academic performance; or,
3. Otherwise adversely affecting an individuals employment or academic opportunities.

"Harassment can include any unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct which offends, denigrates or belittles any individual because of any of the characteristics described above. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to unsolicited derogatory remarks, jokes, demeaning comments or behavior, slurs, mimicking, name calling, graffiti, gestures, physical contact, stalking, threatening, bullying, extorting or the display or circulation of offensive written materials or pictures."

Granted, prior to my bringing it up, Mr. Regua had no idea that the term Anglo-American would be considered a slur by anyone. And as I mentioned, I do believe it is my duty to educate others, rather than look to force my feelings on the world.

But this new policy does give me the option to using the force of policy to change peoples behavior.

Posted April 2, 2003