The College Language Association (CLA) was founded in 1937 by a group of Black scholars and educators as a space for teachers of literature, language, and culture to share their research, to discuss pedagogical strategies to improve the communication and critical thinking competencies of students at member institutions, and to promote increased appreciation of Black literatures and cultures at a time when such vital areas of study/inquiry were underrepresented in higher education. Moreover, in a rebuke to the spirit of the times in which it was founded, CLA organized around principles of equity, equality, and anti-discriminatory practice, seeking to cultivate an affirming environment for its members, where their personhood, intellect, and professional achievements would be regarded with respect.

As the members of the Association continue to work to achieve this core mission, we remain committed to fostering an ethos of respect and ethical treatment within a community that is both multidisciplinary and inclusive, welcoming the diverse range of perspectives that our members bring to the study of literature, language, and everyday life from a national, transnational, and international worldview. 

Ultimately, it is our goal to ensure that the College Language Association remains a nurturing, welcoming, and inspiring space for all who join our ranks. In that spirit, CLA is committed to providing an inclusive and harassment-free environment for all, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, geographic location, age, academic rank, socioeconomic status, or other group identity. In order to maintain a supportive space for all CLA members, we formally declare expectations for Collegial and Respectful Behavior that:

• Actively challenges discriminatory practices against others based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, geographic location, age, academic rank, socioeconomic status, or other group identity

• Engages in educational practices that disrupt discriminatory beliefs against others based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, geographic location, age, academic rank, socioeconomic status, or other group identity

• Prohibits the harassment or intimidation of others based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, geographic location, age, academic rank, socioeconomic status, or other group identity

• Actively prohibits sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), sexual violence, or unsolicited physical contact

• Calls for and cultivates affirmational speech, and rejects the threatening or defamation of others

• Promotes behavior and speech that is rooted in respect, kindness, and goodwill, and refutes ideas and practices that are harmful--physically, professionally, or emotionally--to others

• Respects the boundaries of intellectual property and professional labor by engaging in proper citation and attribution practices, rejects plagiarism and intellectual theft, and assures CLA members that original ideas offered in presentations and publications will be properly acknowledged and credited

• Enforces expectations for respectful behavior--even and especially with regard to constructive criticism and productive disagreement and debate--during CLA presentations or events

Recognizing the importance of the College Language Association as not only a site for intellectual conversation and debate but also as an academic community (each annual convention and CLA gathering is communally understood as a reunion of family, colleagues, and friends), and in keeping with our mission and core values, we embrace these expectations for collegial and respectful behavior. If any member is found in violation of these principles, and charges of this violation are brought before the Executive Committee, that member may be subject to sanctions up to and including the loss of their “good standing” and the forfeit of their ability to participate in organizational activities.