Values Statement for Faculty

The statement below addresses values of human rights, social justice, and equity for classes and faculty-student interactions at SMU.

Created by an informal organization of SMU faculty and staff (called the Creating Change at SMU Working Group) with input from students and alumni of diverse backgrounds, the statement is intended to serve as a suggested model that faculty members can use and edit as they see fit. For example, a version of the statement might be included in a syllabus or on a Canvas page. Faculty members might post the statement on their office doors or provide a link (www.smu.edu/values) in their email signatures. Alternatively, they might simply use the statement as a guide in practicing mindful social equity and justice when teaching or meeting with students.

All faculty members are invited to participate. We hope that use of the statement will help ensure that each student is seen, heard, represented, and welcomed everywhere on the SMU campus, even as we realize that there is more work to be done.


Values Statement (Full Version):

As an educator and a human being, I care about your growth and wellbeing. I am committed to collaborating with you in creating a learning experience that upholds the following values. I pledge to:
  • Honor the unique identities and basic human rights carried by all students regardless of background or belief.
  • Appropriately confront discriminatory and oppressive words, behaviors, and structures.
  • Make space for ideological perspectives that do not violate other people's dignity, whether or not I share these perspectives.
  • Do my part to eradicate the historical inequities in treatment faced by students who identify or are perceived as women, people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+, first generation, low income, undocumented, religious minorities, and other underrepresented groups.
  • Support and provide resources for survivors of sexual assault and misconduct.
  • Not use derogatory language (such as the "N" word) that I do not have a right to reclaim, for pedagogical reasons or otherwise, and ask students to also refrain accordingly.
  • Refer to people using the names and pronouns they designate as corresponding with their gender identities, and ask students to do the same.
  • Construct a learning environment that is accessible to students with a range of physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, relational, and cultural preferences and challenges.
  • Align my teaching with efforts to increase institutional justice, respect, and inclusivity, such as #BlackAtSMU and other student movements.
  • Acknowledge the history of our campus as sitting on land stolen from Native peoples and made prosperous by enslaved Africans.
  • Work to become aware of and transform my areas of bias, privilege, and ignorance, and help students pursue their own work in this regard.
  • Guide learning moments when students make honest mistakes related to these values, and own up to moments when I fall short.
  • Listen to student concerns and assist with personal and professional development while maintaining healthy boundaries.
  • Recognize my accountability to this pledge, and my responsibility to make it more than words.
  • Be available to discuss feedback regarding this pledge upon request.

SMU has a variety of processes available for students experiencing academic and personal difficulties. I encourage you to learn more by visiting www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/gethelp.

Values Statement (Abridged Version):

As an educator and a human being, I care about your growth and wellbeing. I pledge to foster faculty-student relationships of trust and collaborate with you in creating a learning experience that upholds values respecting the unique identities and basic human rights carried by all students. You can see an elaboration of these values here: www.smu.edu/values.

Help us assess the impact of and improve the Values Statement! Please let us know if and how you are using the statement, or if you have suggestions, by contacting humanrights@smu.edu.