This page is updated regularly to keep up with the growth of our community and keep our sites and pages as a productive places–for both my/our goals, but those of others like me; Moreover, in order to do our part toward keeping this as a place that is respectful of people and, even, Harvard–and its “peer institutions.” These policies apply to commenting and other activity on this site–and our other pages–and should be pretty common-sense to most people.
(1) All Policies Adhere to Our Legal Requirement and Standards.
This isn’t just for plain-and-simple “legal liability” reasons, but because we respect what those standards–many of which exceed our minimum “requirements”–stand for. Take a moment to give them a glance, even if you’re no lawyer, because they’re important in dealing with Harvard but–truth be told–any large, wealthy, and powerful organization you will encounter in everyday life.
(2) Leave National and/or International Politics Elsewhere.
Obviously, there are political implications to Harvard’s actions and/or inactions–to an extent. But this has been the case throughout its nearly-four centuries of existence. While a pertinent (and respectful) reference to current events is obviously welcome, this is not (nor will be) a platform for any political agenda–national or international. This will not be a venue to air your support, or objections, to political figures and/or movements.
There are places for that. And this isn’t one of them.
(3) Be Respectful of People’s Backgrounds, Beliefs, and Experiences.
This should go without saying but–with the way comment sections have started to look in certain unnamed social-media sites–certain statements or behaviors will not be tolerated. That includes slurs (of any kind; even the dog-whistle-speech “implied” new versions of them), labeling of someone’s thoughts/experience as part of “so-and-so’s America,” or any ad-hominem (personal) attacks.
To be clear: there’s nothing wrong with disagreeing–with me, Harvard, or others who participate here–but the line between disagreement and insulting people is a bold one, and will be respected here.
(4) Unsubstantiated “Harvard Bashing” or “Hate” Won’t Be Tolerated.
Don’t get me wrong. If anyone has reason to just bash Harvard all day, it’s me. But that isn’t this project’s, campaign’s, and site’s goals. Remember: Harvard is bigger than a small number of people acting irresponsibly, negligently, and even illegally. And, of course, Harvard–as an institution–has a pretty long history of “less-than-honorable” behavior. But they are hardly alone in that distinction.
So this site–and our pages–aren’t a forum for “hating on Harvard” blindly, as just generally an “elitist” place and other labels. The same is true for any “peer” (similar) institution.
Feel free to be critical, of course. Harvard certainly has acted in manners deserving of that–with me, maybe you, or others you know and love. But support your statements with real arguments, real actions, and concrete reasons. Don’t just insult the place or people for the sake of doing it (trolling, more or less).
There are, at least, three good reasons for this: (a) even if we were “okay with it,” this would only give Harvard (and many others) an excuse to write off our very-real goals as simple whining, worn-out Harvard-hating, or angry resentment–and we’re none of that; (b) this type of behavior only serves as a distraction from the goals at hand; and (3) we’ll probably assume you’re an agent-saboteur sent by Harvard to discredit our project (they’ve done it before, and likely will do it again; stories forthcoming, I assure you).
Real action. Real reasons. Not another “clever” insult.
(5) Learn to Take (and Tell) a Joke. And Know the Difference.
Let’s be clear: this doesn’t negate any of the above. But this isn’t a draconian, closely censored community-in-the-making either. Light-hearted remarks or commentary–clearly intended to be so, and without “low-key” attacks on people(s)–are actually welcomed. The same goes the other way. A well-intentioned (and not over-the-top attack on you and yours) should be taken as such.
I trust that people visiting–and who are part of our inchoate community–can figure out the difference. Keep in mind: we will definitely moderate anything deemed inappropriate or excessive.
At the same time, laughter still remains the best medicine. And, despite the horrible things that Harvard has put me (and many others) through, we have to be able to laugh at them. I’m not an exception. But keep it classy. And, more importantly, keep it productive.
We have goals to complete.
(6) Bottom Line: Show Respect.
Blind finger-pointing, insulting people (“privileged” or not), random conspiracy theories, using “subtle” slurs for entire demographics, and forcing your personal politics onto people are just some of the countless ways that can be used to disrespect other people but–more importantly–the project at hand.
Respect may be on the decline these days, especially online, but let’s all do our part toward bringing it back.
Remember what your mom and/or dad taught you, and you’ll not only “be fine”–you’ll probably make some good friends in the process.