1. Everyone participates equally on group projects.  If for any reason you can't contribute your share to a team project, be honest about it with yourself, your teammates, and the professor. Don't expect anyone to cover for you.
2. We are committed to an environment of mutual respect, and as such we will share an understanding that no one will put-down or intentionally offend anyone else
3. Although all class members are encouraged to speak their views, we realize that because we are dealing with sensitive and controversial issues, some may choose to remain quiet.  Participation is thus also based on active listening, not just speaking.
4. Respect confidentiality and privacy:  personal information shared in this classroom stays here.
5. We agree to disagree, recognizing that there may be a wide variety of viewpoints in the group.
6. If someone is offended by a discussion containing prejudices or misconceptions that are personal for them, they should consider "flagging" the conversation.  "Flagging" means that once the other speaker has finished the thought, you let everyone know what offended you--making it part of the conversation.  Don't just let the discussion end--others will learn a lot if you are willing to risk honestly expressing yourself.

With thanks to Alison Harris for final revisions of the guidelines.

Another 3 rules which could probably be condensed into one include `All class members are encouraged to speak their views`, `Participation includes active listening, not just speaking`, and `Since we are dealing with sensitive and controversial topics, we will respect others` need to remain quiet`.  The condensed rule could read something like, `Although all class members are encouraged to speak their views, we realize that because we are dealing with sensitive and controversial issues, some may choose to remain quiet.  Participation is thus also based on active listening, not just speaking.`