University Statement Regarding Freshman Composition Course

We are aware of an objection raised about a reading and assignment in a Freshman Composition course.

To engage students in the importance, power and beauty of writing, the composition faculty offers many sections of Freshman Composition, some with themes they believe will be particularly interesting to college-aged students. Not all sections have a theme, and students are free to choose a section as they see fit.

A section of the composition course, titled College Writing I: Social Issues through Anime, teaches college-level writing through the prism of critical social issues prevalent in this internationally popular art form, such as mental health challenges, stereotypes, violence, and relations between men and women.

The assigned text is related to the subject matter and prepares the class for dialogue about themed issues. Faculty have academic freedom to communicate ideas for discussion and learning to fulfill the course objectives.

All students in the College Credit Plus program, as well as their legal guardian, must sign an acknowledgement that materials in a course may include mature adult themes before they enroll in a course.

Please be assured that we take student complaints very seriously and encourage the use of our established policies, procedures and student support avenues for resolution.  Students should be aware of our policies for the resolution of student complaints on the Kent Campus and on our regional campuses and that our student ombuds office is available to help them navigate that process. 

POSTED: Tuesday, October 6, 2020 11:57 AM
Updated: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 01:21 PM