Submission: Respect vital to maintain during USAC election

As we approach a USAC special election and begin the 2014-15 academic year, it is critical that we all remember what it means to be a part of a world-class institution like UCLA, including the obligations and expectations that come with being a True Bruin.

One of our most important expectations, particularly in the context of campus politics and election campaigns, is that every UCLA community member keep a clear focus on all of our True Bruin values with a special emphasis on respect, accountability and integrity. Our university community depends on each of us to do our part to maintain a safe, positive, respectful and healthy community, both on and off campus.

We are aware that there are many issues of concern at local, national and international levels that our undergraduate and graduate student body will be seeking to address this year. As we move through our upcoming election and the political developments of the coming year, it is crucial for all students to remember that intellectual debate is most fruitful when it is based on principles of integrity, respectful disagreement and constructive dialogue.

Critical inquiry and passionate advocacy are signs of vibrant intellectual engagement. Divergent points of view can be respectfully stated, discussed and, if not resolved, at least form a fuller understanding of the issues. As long as the debate does not violate the law or UCLA code of conduct, we fully support our students’ First Amendment rights to express even controversial thoughts on difficult issues without interference from the university.

In the context of our campus political process, while the administration cannot and should not dictate the content, strategy or outcome of debate, we should all aspire to engage in dialogue that exemplifies values such as respect, accountability and integrity.

In simple terms, just because you can do or say something – because it’s legal – doesn’t mean that you should do or say it. Even in the midst of passionate debate we must keep in mind the humanity of others, and we ask all members of our community to do all they can to ensure that current and future discussions remain respectful, productive and focused on understanding rather than division. In particular, we want to emphasize that acts of intolerance, disrespect, bullying or violence – especially regarding sexual orientation, race, gender, ethnicity or religion – compromise our sense of community, our feeling of personal well-being and our ability to live and learn together.

As a campus, we must take a decisive and unwavering stand against acts that threaten or endanger any member of our community. And we must all remember that acts that violate the code of conduct can have legal or disciplinary consequences.

This commitment to True Bruin values should extend to actions that take place online as well, where more and more interactions between students are occurring. When using social media to communicate, we ask that you:

• Pause
  and think before you act. Images and
  words posted to the Internet can be permanent and go viral in ways you did not
  anticipate.
• Use
  restraint to communicate your disagreement.
• Consider
  your role as an active student leader. You represent yourself, your student
  organizations and the UCLA community as a whole.

If you have questions or come across any campaign violations, please visit this link for all rules governing USAC elections: usacelectionboard.com. If appropriate, please contact the USAC Election Board via email ([email protected]) with the violation information.

We must all remember that communities are not just a given. They are built. And they can be fragile. We owe it to each other to exercise the compassion and even restraint that are essential for a community to endure.

At UCLA, we have the unique opportunity to create a model of the world as it should be – a place where diversity of backgrounds and experiences fosters an environment of respect, understanding and compassion. We hope you will join in the challenging and essential process of continuing to build such a community.

Blandizzi is the interim dean of students and executive director of student services and initiatives.