UBC Law Students’ Society Statement of Values on Student Conduct
Preamble
This is a statement of the values and principles that we champion as students at the Allard School of Law at UBC. We believe that law is a compass that can guide us to a more just future. In conducting ourselves as law students, whether on campus or in the community, the values contained herein inspire our thoughts, inform our actions, and colour our words. We are proud to promote the open exchange of ideas in an atmosphere of respect, equity, and compassion at Allard Law.
Respect
General
All students have a right to expect, and a responsibility to maintain, a respectful and courteous environment.
Respect for Indigenous Communities
Allard School of Law is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Students shall respect this Musqueam foundation, and all Indigenous people, communities, and organizations.
Respect for Career and Academic Choices
All students shall treat their classmates’ choices of academic courses, law school activities, and career choices with respect.
Respect for Faculty and Staff
Students shall have respect for law faculty and staff, including due regard for their efforts to further our legal education. Any student concerns or issues should be aired through an appropriate channel.
Respect for Students of Other Faculties
All Allard Law students are members of the greater UBC community. As such, all students should treat members of all other faculties with respect, courtesy, and kindness.
Respect for Allard Hall
Allard Hall is both a physical building and an environment of learning, teaching, research and other activities. All students shall conduct themselves in a manner which respects the physical space and upholds this environment.
Professionalism & Integrity
Celebrating Diversity
Allard Law is a welcoming community that celebrates the diversity of its student body. As such, all students are reminded to interact with each other in a manner free from discrimination. This includes but is not limited to discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or mental or physical ability.
Compassion
Allard Law students are encouraged to practice compassion for others, especially those who may be in times of need. This is particularly important for the student-client relationship. Compassion means being respectful of the circumstances of others and doing what one can to help them.
Collegiality
The legal community is united through a common purpose to uphold and further the integrity of our system of justice and law. Collegiality connotes our respect for other members of our community who are engaged in the same pursuit.
Engagement with the Broader Community
We have a responsibility to remind ourselves that the law must be shaped by the needs and views of a broad and diverse community. We enrich the legal community we are joining with our connections to the wider community. To achieve the aims of justice, students must engage with these communities in a respectful and meaningful way.
Consideration of Words and Actions
Students are encouraged to demonstrate thoughtfulness in their interactions, both in person and online. We will give careful consideration to our words and actions, and maintain awareness of and display sensitivity to the perspectives, personal circumstances, and feelings of others.
Privacy and Disclosure of Information
Students shall respect the privacy of others. We will also be considerate when choosing to share information about other people as well as ourselves. We will use discretion when disclosing law school marks to peers and when discussing the admissions process, and we will consider how sharing certain types of information may affect others’ self-perceptions.
If you encounter conduct that conflicts with the values and spirit of our Statement, you are encouraged to speak to the UBC Law Students’ Society Ombudsperson, who will engage other faculty, staff or students as appropriate. This Statement complements other standards of conduct which guide Allard Law students.
These include, but are not limited to: the BC Human Rights Code; the UBC Code of Conduct, which binds all UBC students; and the Law Society of BC principles of ethical conduct, to which law students are subject when acting as representatives of the legal profession.
The Statement of Values on Student Conduct was ratified by students in March 2012 and is meant to set the tone for respectful interaction among those in our law school community.