Open letter to SCAD students, faculty and patrons

CENSORSHIP is the suppression of speech or deletion of communicative material, which may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient to the government, media organizations, or public as determined by a censor.

Dear SCAD students, faculty, and patrons,

We would like to start this letter by quoting SCAD’s mission, vision, and values:

SCAD Mission

The Savannah College of Art and Design exists to prepare talented students for professional careers, emphasizing learning through individual attention in a positively oriented university environment. 

SCAD Vision

The Savannah College of Art and Design, an institution with distinctive yet complementary locations, will be recognized as a leader in defining art and design education. By employing innovation in all areas, SCAD will provide a superior education through talented and dedicated faculty and staff, leading-edge technology, advanced learning resources and comprehensive support services.

SCAD Values

• Being a student-centered institution.
• Providing an exceptional education and life-changing experience for students.
• Demonstrating quality and excellence in every aspect of operations.
• Sustaining a respectful and honest college environment.
• Growing while continually improving.
• Being innovative and results-oriented.
• Promoting a cooperative team spirit and a positive "can-do" attitude.
• Going the “extra mile.”

Censorship or removal of student work is resisting a “student-centered environment.” As artists, we are dedicated to applying our thoughts and abilities so that we may partake in the production of knowledge and the creation of historical ideas and artifacts. We came to this school to learn about art and thrive in a “positively oriented university environment” that allows us to push boundaries, raise the bar of expectation for others and “grow” to our full potential. As working (and paying) students, we should be able to express our ideas with the support of the SCAD faculty and administration. Censoring student work limits students’ ability to create and discuss artwork and ideas freely and openly. Our college sets an example for other facilities, institutions, and exhibition spaces to follow. In an “honest college environment,” students should feel comfortable to submit and create work that they feel is successful and relevant to contemporary standards. Art education needs to include and promote communication and critical discussion between artists. SCAD possesses the power to expose students’ work to the general public and gain attention for our efforts and the talents we possess. If an art-centered facility in which we create our artwork and ideas will not recognize and exhibit our talent, then who will?

"Remember: defending someone’s right to speak doesn’t mean you agree with what they say. Defending the right to read a particular book, or view a work of art or a film, doesn’t mean you like it or agree with its message. Recognizing that others have different views about art, politics, literature and religion, and that their views are entitled to the same respect and protection as your own, is a form of tolerance required of all in a pluralistic society."
-National Coalition Against Censorship