Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Editorial

The concept of a student honor code is an interesting one, and one that deserves further discussion on DePauw's campus. The DePauw feels that, in theory, an honor code is a very admirable system, inspiring immediate and unquestionable respect not only for ourselves and our fellow students. In practice, however, it is perhaps less advisable.

An honor code would have to be carefully worded so as to detail whether or not it applies to students while they are both on and off campus. New judiciary standards would have to be created specifically to deal with honor code infractions. These things both require much time and effort - time and effort that has already been put into production of DePauw's community covenant, and the four pillars it encompasses: Intellectual Engagement, Unique Opportunities, Supportive Relationships and Community Engagement.

These pillars represent that to which we aspire, what we expect from each other. Whereas an honor code would, in all likelihood, only apply to students, DePauw's pillars level the playing field by holding faculty, staff and students to the same standards. DePauw students envisioned and devised the covenant; the four pillars came from the students and, as such, represent the interests of the student body. The pillars are ambiguous enough, too, to allow students to make their own decisions, make their own mistakes and ultimately learn from them, which is, perhaps the best kind of education.

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