In response to the proposed civility project (“New program aims to better civility code,” 3/13/2009), I would like to encourage the project’s planners to seriously examine their goals before more formally unveiling their proposal. Few would disagree that being forced off the sidewalk is an unpleasant experience, however I hope that this dialogue in civility will be extremely aware of cultural differences that exist at the University. Creating guidelines for acceptable behavior, if done without considering diverse perspectives, will only serve to alienate students who represent cultures that do not fall in line with the project’s definition of civility. Travel abroad and it is simple to see that different cultures have different appreciations for different things — and what vibrancy and discourse that can bring to the University. The value that an individual places on a behavior or custom is so utterly dependent on their background and experiences, I fear that defining civil behavior borders on imposing our own judgements and opinions on a University that is hardly homogenous. I would encourage the project’s leaders to be mindful of one of George Washington’s own rules as they progress: “Detract not from others, neither be excessive in commanding.”
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