A Message from MJC's President

Dear Students,

I hope your semester is progressing well and you are enjoying the springtime weather we are experiencing. I look forward to seeing many of you at graduation in just a couple of months.

I’m writing to discuss the principles of free speech at Modesto Junior College (MJC).  One of our key rights as Americans is free speech. MJC stands in support of all students exercising that essential right. Under constitutional law, the right to free speech is extensive. Though the Constitution permits unkind treatment of others, doing so violates MJC's community standards.  It is the hope of administration that students learn to be kind, to treat others with dignity and respect, and to promote civility.  It isn't expected that you will always agree with others. Yet, it is important that disagreements are civil.

Expectations of civility are described in Board Policy:

• Members of the Yosemite Community College District embrace the value of civility.  Civility refers to the content and style with which verbal, written, and other types of communication occur in professional interactions or settings.  In a civil context, all members of the community are heard, valued, taken seriously, treated with dignity and respect, and treated without prejudice. Importantly, civility, especially in an academic context, encompasses vigorous, reasoned disagreement and critique of ideas. Civility underpins the ability to ‘agree to disagree’ on contentious issues and is a necessary precondition for collegial interchanges that are free and unfettered.  Civility enables the diversity of thought and ideas fundamental to an academic institution.

MJC also values community building. In a governance environment, where the Associated Students of Modesto Junior College (ASMJC) represents students, it is stated, “We value and respect the diverse collective of individuals who shape our programs and services, participate in decision-making, reinforce collaborative relationships, and promote civic engagement.”  Similarly, within the District (YCCD) values, this is written, “We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.”  

I hope you’ve seen the posters around campus, where we have encapsulated all of this into the phrase, “We welcome all. We serve all.”  Period.  That’s where we stand as an institution and we hope you share this value.

We applaud all students for their willingness to speak their truth, and to debate the merits of various perspectives. As noted in the civility policy, however, we expect that everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and without prejudice.  Courageous speech coupled with kindness and courtesy is an essential tenet of effective citizens.

Thank you for your participation in  campus life at MJC. We're glad you're here!


Cordially,
Brian K. Sanders, Ed.D.  (he, him, él)
President, Modesto Junior College
Morris 201 | (209) 575-6067 | www.mjc.edu