Condemning KKK activity on campus is not enough. The Clemson University Code of Conduct states that “The Office of Community and Ethical Standards (OCES) may initiate disciplinary action and impose sanctions against a student or student organization for the violation of any conduct regulation that occurs on or off-campus when the alleged conduct would, if true, impair, interfere with or obstruct the missions, processes or functions of the University or when the alleged conduct would, if true, endanger the health, safety or welfare of the student or others or would endanger any University property.” Conduct Regulation 15 states “No student shall cause physical harm or threaten to cause physical harm to another person, nor shall any student take any action which creates a danger to any person’s health, safety or personal well-being.” KKK flyers and recruiting on-campus endangers the health, safety, and personal well-being of black students and all students of color on Clemson’s campus. Therefore, such actions violate conduct regulation 15 and should be cause for a thorough investigation and disciplinary action by OCES. Disciplinary action must be taken when students are found guilty of spreading hateful messages that endanger the welfare and well-being of other students. Additionally, any on-campus activity of hate groups (specifically including white supremacy groups) should be reported in an email to the student body with details of the incident, asking anyone with information to come forward, and outlining the seriousness of such activity and disciplinary action that will be taken against perpetrators. 

The Clemson University Student Code of Conduct and Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policies need to be updated to more holistically address such issues on campus. Conduct Regulation 14 refers students to the University Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy. This policy needs to be stated directly in the Student Code of Conduct, as are the definitions of other intolerable behaviors. Additionally, this policy addresses harassment as verbal or physical conduct but does not address other forms of harassment such as the distribution of materials on campus or online that are meant to intimidate other students. It also addresses discrimination as “exclusion of an individual or group of individuals from participation in or receiving the benefits of any program or activity of the University,” but does not address the distribution of materials on campus or online that promote such discrimination. Distribution of materials on campus with the intent to intimidate another student or group of students, or that promote discrimination and/or harassment based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability needs to be addressed in the University Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and directly in the Student Code of Conduct. 

CU 1000 needs to further delve into issues of diversity and equality. CU 1000 is a pass/fail required course for all first-semester students in which issues of diversity and equality are addressed, but not thoroughly enough. A Diversity and Equality unit curriculum put together by a DIVERSE group of faculty and staff should include: systemic racism in America, personal bias exploration, education on hate groups (histories, prevalence, manipulation tactics in recruiting), stereotype histories (regarding race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex, and gender) and their perpetuation in the media and through language.

CU 1000 courses should be conducted completely in person. This course teaches important university policies, values, expectations, resources, and procedures. It teaches students to treat each other with respect and humanity regardless of our backgrounds. To have the majority of this course online shows a lack of priority when it comes to student rights, diversity, and inclusive dialogue. It shows that the University has put the course into place with the intention of checking a box rather than truly having an effect on the student body. Additionally, this course is the perfect opportunity for students of all backgrounds to meet and learn from one another in addition to the coursework. Having the entire course in person would encourage students to get to know each other more throughout the semester and therefore create more meaningful discussion. Lastly, learning this material in person encourages students to pay attention to it, discuss it, and actually think about what it means. The online course allows students to ignore the importance of what they are learning. If well-constructed and conducted by trained and passionate professors, faculty, and/or student teaching assistants, CU 1000 could be a much more effective contribution to the Clemson Family and to the fight against discrimination and harassment on campus.