While re-registering for this coming school year, I found myself carefully reading the statement of Non-Discrimination:
“The commitment of the University to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from invidious discrimination in all its forms, whether or not specifically prohibited by law.
“It is the policy of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that registered organizations shall be in full compliance with all federal and state nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws, orders, and regulations. Registered organizations shall not practice discrimination against a member or prospective member on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era, except as specifically exempted by law. Among the forms of invidious discrimination prohibited by University policy but not law is sexual orientation. The official name of a registered organization shall not be construed or interpreted as denying open membership or prohibiting participation in any program or activity. Each registered organization must agree to the Pledge of Nondiscrimination when applying for registered organization status.
“Registration is dependent upon the organization’s compliance with the above Article, and all conditions of the Student Code. By signifying you agree with this document, the authorized agents of the named Registered Organization agree to abide by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Student Code, and to have the organization adhere to the Student Code.”
Student Code: Article 2 – General Policies and Regulations
Part 3. Registered Organizations and Organization Fund
I, of course, agree with this statement and had no problem signing it. What I found striking, however, was that the University takes such pains to ensure that we as students do not discriminate, while school administrators use “positive” discrimination to ensure diversity in the classroom. It’s time to stop the absurdity. Let’s all treat students as individuals, not as members of this or that class. On non-discrimination, it’s time for the University to lead by example.
