Why this approach?

"It was believed crucial to articulate and celebrate the ideals we have in common."

In response to the same kinds of concerns that led to the development of USC's Creed, other colleges and universities drafted new regulations and added to their conduct codes in an effort to eliminate offensive or objectionable forms of behavior and expression. The results of or reactions to these methods have become well known due to the media's reporting of what has come to be known as the "politically correct" or "P. C." phenomenon.

Long before the "P. C." term was coined and the issue was news, USC officials were convinced there was a better way to address the problems of incivility and intolerance on campus. It was clear that a lack of rules didn't cause the problem and that new rules or threats of punishment wouldn't solve the problem. Recognizing that student attitudes and conduct are shaped by more than University rules, the group set out to understand and ultimately influence the culture that communicates what is and what is not acceptable in our community .

It was believed crucial to articulate and celebrate the ideals we have in common, such as excellence, integrity, dignity, respect for rights and property, tolerance, and compassion. By so doing, we could be reminded of what makes us more than separate interest groups and at the same time be challenged to show respect and regard for our fellow scholars.

Some have claimed the Creed is too simplistic a way to approach such ambitious and idealistic goals, but many consider the simplicity of the Creed its real beauty. Indiana University professor and well known author, George Kuh, commended precisely this part of our approach, noting its "everyday language makes it easy to remember and less likely to be misunderstood."

People for the American Way, a Washington research group that conducted a nationwide study of intolerance on college campuses, also praised the Creed in its report: "Obviously it is a simple step toward a difficult and complex goal, but it addresses the issues in the form of positive shared values and expectations, rather than in the form of minimum standards that if violated will result in disciplinary action." The study emphasizes that the Creed "sends the message that the University believes that differences in people, ideas and opinions (are) positive features of college life and education, not negative by-products."

Furthermore, noted higher education scholar, Ernest Boyer, President, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, lauded the Creed as follows: "The Creed is a splendid document and I applaud you for undertaking this special project. I would like to see this code endorsed by every higher education institution in the nation."