The concepts of community and social justice are central to the mission and philosophy of the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing. Faculty, students, and staff are committed to promoting a healthy and just environment that supports transformative learning, academic integrity, open communication, and personal and professional growth among the diverse members of our academic community. We believe that these commitments are grounded in intellectual openness, in personal and professional accountability, and in the democratic values of inclusivity and mutual respect that are guided by rational discourse and by a relational ethic of care.

We are grateful for the opportunities to learn and work with peoples of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, political, social, and economic backgrounds as well as with people who are disabled and people of different gender, sexual orientation, and age. Acknowledging the ethics and values that underlie the health professions, it is our belief that these ethics and values should be recognized, practiced and cultivated in our learning and work environments. Our goal is to increase the awareness of students, staff, and faculty of the behaviors that are acceptable and not acceptable in our learning community.

We prioritize treating others, as well as ourselves, with respect, dignity, and care. We are committed to recognizing the impact that our communications, practices and behaviors have on others, and we acknowledge each person’s self-worth and unique contributions to the community as a whole.

As members of the School of Nursing, we are committed to learning and practicing in ways that support a caring and socially just community. The following are examples of how we create and sustain this community.

We will not tolerate harassing or discriminatory conduct of any form. Everyone has the responsibility to foster a safe and supportive learning and work environment. This commitment can include any individual asking others to stop disrespectful or abusive speech and/or disruptive behavior. Collectively, faculty, staff, and students in the School of Nursing are responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive learning and work environment.

We are committed to proactively supporting a culture of mutual respect which includes:

  • Support the autonomy and just treatment of self and others by facilitating an open, respectful, and caring environment.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability for one’s own behavior when interacting with students, faculty, and staff.
  • Practice personal and academic integrity and expect it from others.
  • Support the School of Nursing’s zero tolerance of racism or oppressive conduct, bigotry, violence, coercion, or intimidation against any member of the academic community.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to listen and be open to hearing the perspectives of others. This includes actively seeking to hear from and making a safe space for voices of dissent.
  • Explore controversial issues through open dialogue and respectful deliberation.
  • Respect freedom of expression while recognizing that such tolerance does not require agreement with expressed ideas.
  • When appropriate, be an active bystander and engage School of Nursing and/or institutional resources to resolve conflict.


Revised 2021