University of the South - Cap and Gown Yearbook (Sewanee, TN)

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' Jl l ' 9 m l H H r ■ W il Our society today is living in a time of constant change when many of our past ethical and moral codes are being altered. A strong code of honor is something that we as a university cannot afford to allow to fall by the wayside, for without honor, we have nothing. The Honor Code has been the ethical basis for university life at Sewanee for over a century. Many who come to this mountain are impressed by the mutual trust that exists between the faculty, students, and community here. The foundation for this mutual trust and respect is the Honor Code. The basic tenet of our Honor Code is that: one shall not lie or cheat or steal, and shall not break the promise without just cause. The code does not attempt to define honor ; it simply implies that honor exists in the human spirit and is essential in the relationships among human beings. Punishment for violation of the code is severe: in most cases, expulsion from the University. From its inception the code has meant that violation is to forfeit one ' s privilege as a mem- ber of this community. 18

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But does the code apply as rigidly for us today as it did to the student of 1945 or even 1900. Students are apparently more reluctant now to report violations which may mean the termination of a college career. This could mean that our standards are declining, or that our efforts to maintain them are inadequate, even inhumane. If so, what must be done is to deal with each case as a separate problem, recognizing degrees of guilt and applying punishment in terms of the indi- vidual violation. The Honor Code is an enduring element in the comer- stone of this community. Living together in an atmos- phere where one ' s honor is not questioned is a basic human need. Therefore it is necessary for all to work together to insure the continuation of this mutual trust and respect between all members of the University and Community. ERIC BENJAMIN 19