It is the fundamental belief of Macalester College that the process of learning is best achieved in a community that recognizes and reflects diversity and encourages the open and frank exchange of ideas.
Racial harassment can stifle the learning process and discourage that exchange.
Macalester College is committed to assuring that students, faculty and staff enjoy an educational environment and a work setting that promotes respect for cultural values and racial differences. The College recognizes the complexity of defining language and actions that are not acceptable in a community which values freedom of expression. Freedom of expression does not include the right to intentionally and maliciously aggravate, intimidate, ridicule or humiliate another person. In defining racial harassment, it is necessary to consider the knowledge, intention and willingness of the individual alleged to be guilty of harassment. Definition of Racial Harassment At Macalester, racial harassment is defined as verbal, written or physical conduct which refers to one s race and where such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual s academic, social or work-related participation in the College community.