Declaration of Student Rights and

Responsibilities
Approved by the Student Body of 2016

The right to voice an opinion; no-one should interrupt another while they are speaking, or ridicule them for
what they say. We should listen to each other, in the aim to better understand each other.
The right to be treated fairly by fellow students and teachers. We should treat each other with respect and
dignity in all regards.
The right to learn; no-one should hinder another from learning. We won't waste time in class, distract or
disturb one another, or take away the valuable opportunity of education from others.
The right to happiness at school. We need to treat each other with kindness, good manners, and respect;
the physical and mental well-being of oneself and others should always be taken into regard.
The right to form your own friendships. We should carry personal friendships, but also understand we are all
under the bond of brotherhood through the Villanova name, and be open to socially interact with one
another, regardless of race, sexual orientation or faith.
The right to be accepted. No-one should criticize or otherwise demean/patronize others for attributes which
do not affect themselves (receiving others and accepting them for their own self-identity).
The right to have your own property. No-one should touch, deface or take another's property without
permission.
The right to feel safe. No one should physically threaten, mentally intimidate, emotionally abuse or
otherwise bully others.
The right to ask questions. We should encourage learning and expanding through discussion.
The right to a name and personal identity. We should acknowledge that other people are going through their
own lives with their own triumphs and turmoil, and carry their own identity; therefore, we should address
and acknowledge each other in a way that does not offend.
The right to your faith. We should encourage each other to develop a strong bond with their respective
faiths, and use their teachings to uplift one another.
The right to a clean and healthy environment. We should keep our classrooms tidy and neat, and treat them
as the workspaces which they are. We should keep our school grounds clean and healthy by not littering or
vandalizing.
The responsibility of adhering to school policy and teacher directions; We should abide by school rules and
directions given by teachers and Villanova staff-members.
The right to equitability in the provision of student activities. We should participate in college life to the best
of our ability.