Right of Inquiry

1. The right to individual identity

Each person is unique, with the right to individual expression. This expression is the hallmark of the creative process.

2. The right to freedom from prejudice

It is the right of an individual to experience a diversity of philosophical and cultural lessons. Each individual has the right to learn without fear of character depreciation or retribution for personal opinions. No individual should ever suffer in the learning experience because of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation.

3. The right to access information

Within the educational environment, knowledge cannot be withheld, because of judgment of another individual, on the basis that such information represents improper political, religious or social positions.

4. The right to determine learning paths

No path of inquiry or opportunity to apply knowledge should ever be denied to an individual prepared and willing for such an undertaking. Equally, each individual must have the opportunity to determine paths of learning outside established disciplines. The future demands new knowledge derived from fresh perspectives free of discipline boundaries determined by past exigencies.

5. The right to mature while in pursuit of knowledge and skill

Each opportunity to learn enhances the ability to address the next challenge. The individual must be permitted failure as well as success in a learning context. A path of continuing growth must be acknowledged and rewarded.

6. The right to expect a mutually supportive community

Creative activity is nurtured in an environment of trust. Students, faculty and staff interact to inform the creative process. Students require advising and mentoring to mature.

7. The right to human supremacy over technology

Education is directed at the well being of the individual. Technology, in whatever form, is to serve this mission. People must always come first.

8. The right to a quality learning environment

There is a demonstrable connection between the quality of the learning place and the memorable learning experience. Such an experience must be made available to every individual

9. The right to expect preparation for life-long learning

The experiences of education must be centered on the power of thinking and the evolution of knowledge through time preparing the individual for intellectual agility in a culture of continual reconfiguration.