Fletcher Seminary Hate and Bias Incident Policy
Fletcher Seminary is committed to Christ’s commandment that we love God and our neighbor with our whole hearts. We are intentionally working to create and sustain an inclusive and inviting climate in which all students, staff, and faculty are safe, inspired to achieve their full potential and prepared to undertake the vocation and ministry to which they are called. We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people and value the identities of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We seek opportunities to provide development in the facilitation of positive interactions among our community and employ a conversation covenant in our classrooms to ensure civil discourse. Fletcher Seminary consistently strives to reduce any barriers that exist across race, ethnic background or color, creed or religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome the contributions of groups and individuals locally and globally.
The core values of the Seminary are:
Servant Leadership: Acting on the belief that Christlike leadership begins with service to others and service to God – seeking awareness, embracing a sense of call, committing to excellence, and humbling oneself. We believe that ministry is finding a towel with your name on it.
Authentic Community: Cultivating a learning environment where our stated beliefs are congruent with our actions and praxis, despite real or perceived external pressure. We build a future where theological embodiment is the norm in ministry.
Engagement: Promoting interdependence, partnership, and collaboration locally, regionally, and globally to form leaders for the church universal. We prepare people for Christian leadership promoting the common good.
Inclusivity: Fostering an expansive view of the diversity and inclusiveness of God’s sovereignty, love, and grace – and intentionally choosing covenant relationships. We are better together!
SUPPORTING VALUES
Innovative Student Focus: Providing access to and delivery of theological education that embraces emerging cultural and ecclesial needs. We create the faith-based leaders for the future.
Compassion/Empathy: Fostering leadership that values empathy and compassion in the Christian tradition reflected in caring for “the least of these” and “being the ‘good Samaritan,’” as we remain committed to compassion rather than judgement and the practice of healthy boundaries that promote life. We embrace the heart of Christ in all we do.
Academic Freedom/Critical Thinking: Cultivating an environment of critical thought and enquiry, tolerance for divergent views and beliefs, and open and respectful exchange of ideas. We teach students how to think – not what to think.
Integrity: Expecting Christlike character, honesty, transparency, and accountability in every context. We embrace and stand for the ethics of Jesus.
Oppressive language, behavior, or other forms of expression will not be tolerated at Fletcher Seminary. Our plan to address hate-bias is grounded in the Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. Racist, sexist, homophobic, or other oppressive language or behavior should be immediately reported. Those experiencing harm can report their experiences to:
- A faculty member, the curriculum chair or program coordinator;
- Chief of Staff or Associate Vice President of Student and Community Engagement; or
- The Seminary President or Chair of the Board of Trustees as appropriate.
Under federal Title IX, faculty and staff are legal mandatory reporters for any gender-based sexual harassment and must report any incidents.
If you have experienced hate, bias, or discrimination, please report the incident to one of the individuals noted above.