Background
The missions of Holy Cross and St. Edward's University, the Operating Principles of the university, and this "Statement Against Intolerance" have all been shaped by the social teaching of the Catholic Church. The principles of Catholic social teaching are a call to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world for all people. Because of these values, St. Edward's University is committed to ensuring and protecting personal and cultural diversity, affirming tolerance, and promoting social justice through recognizing the dignity and worth of each person. The university is committed to a policy of tolerance and is opposed, in both philosophy and practice, to the oppression of diversity by individuals, groups, or the institutional abuse of power.

Definition
Intolerance refers to an attitude, feeling, or belief wherein an individual shows contempt for other individuals or groups based on arbitrarily selected characteristics.

Purpose
St. Edward's University is committed to creating an educational and work environment that is free from intolerance directed against individuals or groups. St. Edward's will not accept ignorance, humor, anger, or substance abuse as an excuse, reason, or rationale for intolerance. St. Edward's believes that all members of the community are individually and collectively responsible for their behavior and should be held accountable for their actions.

Complaints
Any employee who believes s/he is the victim of intolerance is encouraged to follow the guidelines described in the Open Door Policy or the Complaint Policy in the Employee Handbook.

Sanctions
Individuals who by their words or actions fail to support the university's commitment to a campus free from intolerance will be subject to disciplinary action and may jeopardize their continued affiliation with the university.

Expression of Opinion
Institutions of higher education are established for the common good and not to further the interests of the individual or the institution as a whole. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research. This policy applies to direct attacks on individuals or groups and does not apply to the free exchange of ideas in keeping with the principle of academic freedom. Nor does this policy extend benefits beyond those provided under other university policies.