"It's too much to expect in an academic setting that we should all agree, but it is not too much to expect discipline and unvarying civility."

- John Howard

Civility is yet another topic we discuss constantly at Furman.  But, regardless of our efforts we still have acts of intolerance, bullying, fighting, and hazing on campus.  Rutgers University created the Project Civility foundation to help combat these acts on their own campus.  Since it's founding in 2009, Rutgers has had a noticeable increase in tolerance and acceptance across campus.  Project civility encourages small acts of courtesy, compassion, and respect.  The goal of the project was to produce a campus culture very aware of civility, integrity, and a citizenry that respects all cultures and persons.    

The question now is whether Furman University can promote a similar culture on our campus.  We all know that civility is the goal, but what can we do as students to help increase awareness or promote civility across campus?

First, it starts with your actions.  From a young age we've all been taught that "actions speak louder than words."  This mantra still rings true today.  Set an example for your friends and peers by exhibiting civility in your own thoughts, words, and actions.  

Second, we have to speak up.  Violations on civility occur because someone doesn't step in or speak up.  As examples of civility on campus it is also our responsibility to stand up for our fellow students, faculty, and staff and discourage intolerable acts.  

Third, and finally, we need to be open minded.  Furman students will never all agree on a particular religious affiliation, political party, or sexual orientation, but civility starts with acceptance.  We may not all agree or support another person's beliefs or actions, but the true test of civility stems from how we handle, discuss, and overcome differences.  

Please don't read this post as a charge, but merely my opinion and suggestion for all students to help increase civility in our interactions and discussions on campus.  

I'll leave you with one final quote: 

"If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die."

-Maya Angelou

-Mack