The first amendment states that “congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”. Students are often  encouraged to express their beliefs and concerns but freedom of speech does have  limits. Student affairs professionals have the obligation to educate students on this, why certain forms of speech such as discrimination can be hurtful to others and cause divides on campus. Institutions will have codes of conduct laws for students to follow on campus, which usually will discuss community standards of honesty and respect for persons and property, and responsible use of freedom. The First Amendment does not protect behavior on campus that consists of harassment or threats, or any behavior that creates a hostile environment for vulnerable students.

Universities have to balance the requirement of free speech with issues of civility, respect and human dignity. “Certain words or forms of expression may fall under the protection of the First Amendment, but that does not mean all protected forms of speech and expression inherently contribute to the meaningful exchange of ideas” (Baxter& Magolda, 2011). Many campuses have adopted policies that has banned hateful expression, with consequences of various punishments such as expulsion. “Student affairs officers would be wise to approach the issues of hate speech and hate crimes by using a balanced approach that takes into account all legal requirements and carefully considers the ethical, moral, and educational implications of all programs, policies, and procedures designed to address these important issues”(Baxter& Magolda, 2011).

Free speech is not hate speech. Free speech should be used on campuses to speak on individual rights and concerns. Hate speech causes offence and can make others feel alienated form their own society. It is important for college campuses to create an environment that is welcoming to all. Hate speech on campus can increase more violent outbursts and discrimination. Students need to be educated on the differences of free speech and hate speech. While restricting speech may seem like the best approach to fix campus tensions it does not. College administrators should look to implement real social change by addressing the underlying causes of inequality and bigotry “Instead of symbolic gestures to silence ugly viewpoints, colleges and universities have to step up their efforts to recruit diverse faculty, students, and administrators; increase resources for student counseling; and raise awareness about bigotry and its history”(Baxter& Magolda, 2011).

What are some tools Student Affairs can use to educate students rather than censor them?

Reference

Baxter Magolda, M. B., & Magolda, P. M. (2011). Contested issues in student affairs : Diverse perspectives and respectful dialogue (Vol. 1st ed). Sterling, Va: Stylus Publishing.

As a student affairs professional, you will work with multiple audiences such as students, faculty, administrators, community members, and student affairs colleagues. Student affairs professional are expected to be competent in their roles and are responsible for consequences that may arise from the decisions they make or lack thereof. Student affairs professionals have a responsibility to promote and facilitate student learning, enhance the quality and understanding of student life, and advocate for student welfare and concerns. Ethical principles guide the behaviors of professionals in everyday practice. “Ethics lies at the heart of professional competence and is an indispensable trait of effective student affairs practice”(Mc,Clellan, G. & Stringer, J. 2016).

It can often be a tough call when it comes ethical decision making. Factors that can impact ethical decision making is if it affects the well-being of a student or student(s), “The holistic welfare of students is the moral center of student affairs work, students have so little power in higher education and are so transient”(Mc,Clellan, G. & Stringer, J. 2016), that is why it is important for us to be there to protect their rights and well-being. I remember one instance at a previous school that I worked for an International student go into it with her roommate about President Trump’s travel ban. Her roommate was all for it whereas she was against it. I personally was not involved with the decision making for this issue. But if I were, I would have to consider the rights of both students before making an ethical decision on what my next steps would be. In this situation, before it could escalate any further, the best thing to do would be to let them have separate dorms.

Take a look at these 6 steps for making ethical decisions: https://www.coach.ca/6-steps-for-making-ethical-decisions-p159802

What can we do to ensure ethical practice and professional development for those who lack those skills?

References

Schuh, J. H., Jones, S. R., & Torres, V. (2016). Student services : A handbook for the profession (Vol. 6th edition). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

McClellan, G. S., & Stringer, J. (2016). The handbook of student affairs administration (Vol. Fourth edition). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

As a student affairs professional, you will encounter tricky ethical situations. Ethical principles should be used to guide the behaviors of professionals in everyday practice. Student affair professionals should have a personal value system that is in congruence with the values of the profession and act in accordance with the principles provided and consistent guidelines for decision-making. Additionally, “student affair professionals should strive to develop virtues, or habits of behavior, that are a characteristic of people in helping professions”(ACPA Ethical Standards and Principles). Self-regulation of behavior can be very effective in assuring ethical behavior. Professional are usually able to obey ethical codes that provide clear direction but more often times are called to make decisions and judgments in situations where ethical principles conflict, and there isn’t a clear distinction between right and wrong. (Schuh, J. & Jones, S. & Torres, V. p 89, 2016).

Ethical Principles and standards prescribe what is considered good or bad and right or wrong behavior. Student affair professionals should spend time and put in the effort to maintain and enhance ethical behavior. Student affairs professionals have a responsibility to enhance the quality and understanding of student life and advocate for student welfare and concerns. It is expected that student affairs professionals exhibit ethical behavior within their duties and responsibilities. Student affairs professionals are responsible for the consequences of their actions or inaction (ACPA Ethical Standards and Principles).

Should Student Affairs Professionals have training on Ethical behavior or during the hiring process should Management require staff to take an Evaluation to test their level of ethics?

References

Schuh, J. H., Jones, S. R., & Torres, V. (2016). Student services : A handbook for the profession (Vol. 6th edition). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Click to access Ethical_Principles_Standards.pdf