University Of Wisconsin's Bias/Hate Speech Policy? In Short, Just Duct-Tape Your Mouth Shut For Four Years
UW urges students to "report bias/hate incidents."
What, you may ask, qualifies as bias/hate speech at UW? Well, pretty much anything you could say but "Pass the salt."
Definition of Bias/Hate:
Single or multiple acts toward an individual, team, or their property that have a negative impact and that one could reasonably conclude is based upon actual or perceived age, race, color, creed, religion, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, martial status, spirituality, cultural, socio-economic status, or any combination of these or other related factors.Bias/Hate incidents include, but are not limited to: slurs, degrading language, epithets, graffiti, vandalism, intimidation, symbols, and harassment; that are directed toward or affect the targeted individual or team.
Incidents of Bias or Hate contribute to a hostile campus environment and can occur even if the act itself is unintentional or delivered as a joke, prank, or having humorous intent.
Yes, even a single joke can be considered harassment.
Of course, the real definition of harassment -- the legal one -- includes "severe and pervasive" behavior, as in repeated. Which is what those of us who have a shred of reasonable in us understand harassment to be -- basically, refusing to leave somebody alone.
And, of course, the real danger here is to free speech and free inquiry. To say they've put a chill on it is an understatement.
And, standing back from all that, boy, that campus sounds like a laugh riot.
What is this, the University of Stalin?
via @AdamKissel
The University of Thought Police.
Richard Jowsey at July 18, 2015 11:04 PM
What, you may ask, qualifies as bias/hate speech at UW? Well, pretty much anything you could say but "Pass the salt."
Actually, I would argue that even "salt and pepper" could be seen as harassment by some since "salt and pepper" could be a reference to race!
charles at July 19, 2015 3:37 AM
I suspect politically correct hate is still safe to express.
dee nile at July 19, 2015 4:19 AM
"Pass the salt"? But I am on a sodium-restricted diet! I can't have salt, and here you are, rubbing it in my face, you insensitive twit!
Jim Armstrong at July 19, 2015 5:06 AM
The key is to outlaw everything and then only enforce it when 'the bad people' do something. Shazam, instant dictatorship.
Ben at July 19, 2015 5:47 AM
Do they still have debate class?
Guess every point made must be preceded by a trigger warning, an apology, and the disclaimer you see on DVDs.
Bob in Texas at July 19, 2015 6:04 AM
In other words, if somebody doesn't like it. These somebodies, I gather, are those screamed "No Fair!" every time they lost at checkers.
Old RPM Daddy (OldRPMDaddy at GMail dot com) at July 19, 2015 10:57 AM
So they're graduating informants and snitches? Good to know.
KateC at July 19, 2015 3:05 PM
Yes Means Yes must apply to talk. At each point in a conversation, the participants must record written agreement to continue. Trigger warnings, subject permissions, and joke prefaces must be negotiated. Discussions in groups are particularly needful of attention.
Words can hurt. Use yours carefully, or else.
Andrew_M_Garland at July 20, 2015 4:07 AM
What is going to happen when these coddled babies leave the womb of academia (if they ever do) and work in the real world.
When I would get in a fight with my computer at work (yes they sense fear and will taunt you) i would often say "son of a bitch" in frustration. The woman in the office across from me would just laugh. What will be the response of these precious snowflakes?
They would probably cry about some sort of workplace hostility.
Jay at July 20, 2015 1:38 PM
I know what you mean about 'them' sensing fear Jay.
I used to hate the copying machine and the printers on weekends.
'They' know you are on a deadline. They know.
Bob in Texas at July 20, 2015 5:55 PM
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