The Framework

Learning within community

Organized gatherings are an opportunity for students to give collective voice to issues and concerns that matter to them. Rooted in the PLU values of community and care, these events provide an opportunity for engagement in dialogue, shared problem-solving, action associated with systemic change (including university improvements), and collective actions that realize our mission of care for individuals, communities, and the Earth.

Freedom of expression

Students who live, study, and work in a university environment are encouraged to exercise freedom of expression and to participate responsibly in the freedoms of membership in a democratic society. According to the PLU Student Code of Conduct, “Every student has the right to express a personal opinion as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others, disrupt community or university events, or otherwise violate university policy or local, state, or federal laws.”

As university community members, we share goals and responsibilities of:

  • Holding the integrity and well-being of every person in our community.
  • Ensuring the safety and well-being of the campus and our neighbors.
  • Supporting student gatherings and preserving student access to the rights of assembly, speech, and expression.
  • Listening attentively and responding empathetically to calls for action, focusing on fostering community care and opportunities for improvement.
  • Providing avenues for constructive dialogue and problem-solving, such as follow-up meetings to address specific issues collaboratively.

Related Policies and Resources:

If you are interested in organizing an event or gathering on campus, please check out Campus Life’s Demonstrations and Protests Policy.

Lutes ask tough questions.

We seek opportunities in the present to improve the future, asking, “Why are things the way they are — could they be better?” We then listen hard for unexpected answers that turn into just and sustainable solutions.

STAAR (Students Taking Action Against Racism), organized by ASPLU to “establish a non-racist student environment that has an appreciation of cultural diversity and individual differences,” organized rallies, workshops, and other educational events to further discussion around racism. (PLU/ 1993) Students gather in Red Square to express opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. (PLU/Jordan Hartman 2003)

Lutes embrace complexity.

The challenges of our lifetime are complicated — and so are the people facing them. We bring our whole, imperfect selves to the table every day, dedicating our passions and skills to finding innovative ways to meet the moment.

Students, faculty, and staff participate in Take Back the Night, an internationally recognized protest against rape and sexual assault, at PLU on Thursday, April 21, 2016. (Photo: John Froschauer/PLU) Black Student Union sponsored “Die-In” on Red Square to raise awareness of racial inequality on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. (Photo: John Froschauer/PLU)

Lutes center community.

We foster belonging by engaging in meaningful dialogue, seeking authenticity, building connections, and opening minds to see community in new, expansive ways.

Students, faculty, and staff “Standing in Solidarity” for all marginalized identities as part of a demonstration in Red Square at PLU, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. (Photo: John Froschauer/PLU)