Commenting Code

Commenting Code of Conduct

We encourage comments expressing dissenting views, especially when they are informed and civil.


Many of the issues we discuss on this site stir up strong emotions for people who care very deeply about Notre Dame and the state of Catholic higher education in America. Our purpose is to inform our readers about these issues and to provide a place where they can exchange their thoughts about them. The more civil the tone the better we can accomplish this purpose.

Our goal is not to limit discussion or inquiry, but to enrich it; it is not to insulate that faith tradition from criticism, but to foster constructive engagement with critics. (Closing Statement Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C. April 5, 2006)

Our code of conduct for bloggers reflects our accord with this request of Fr. Jenkins to the founding members of Sycamore Trust:

I applaud both your concern about Notre Dame and its mission, and your willingness to engage in serious discussion about important issues. I have just three requests, which are, I am sure, consistent with the spirit of your project. First, please make a good faith effort to report facts accurately. Some on both sides of this issue have shown a cavalier disregard for the facts. Second, in any discussion, please exhibit respect for others who disagree. Sometimes the acrimony of the discussion can be as damaging to the university as the problematic issue under discussion. Third, please keep me and the university in your prayers.

We strive to post thought-provoking material that is well researched, of high quality, and civil in tone, and we will do our best to manage this site in a way that maintains these standards. Accordingly, we request all comments adhere to the following code of conduct:

  1. Maintain decorum and civility
  2. Stick to the topic
  3. Be sure of your facts and, if errors are discovered, acknowledge them.
  4. Strive for clarity and conciseness.
  5. Use links to references instead of reproducing them
  6. Disclose any conflicts of interest
  7. Take credit for comments (i.e., no anonymous or pseudonymous posts)
  8. We will, naturally, delete any harassing, abusive, threatening, libelous, deceptive, inaccurate, plagiaristic and otherwise unacceptable comments.